If you said yes, well then you've got another reason to attend the North American International Motorcycle SuperShow.

Off-road riders rejoice! The Paris to Dacre off-road race is on again for 2010. Better sign up early because this event it POPULAR!

Press Release:

A date has been confirmed for the 2010 Dacre Dual Sport Challenge. Mark your calendars for June 25-27.

Online registration will open March 6th for teams with a minimum of one team member who has taken part in a previous Dacre event. Registration will open to the general public on March 20th.

Teams must be comprised of three to five members ONLY. Teams will not be recognized until all members have registered and paid via paypal. (Team Captains can register and pay for all team members if desired)

Rally Connex reserves the right to close registration without prior warning, so register early to avoid disappointment.

Note: The 2008 event sold out in 12 hours!

Details will soon be available on www.rallyconnex.com plus discussion forums on www.odsc.on.ca and www.advrider.com

Hope you're going to the Toronto Motorcycle show because Zero Motorcycles will be displaying the all-electric Zero MX motocross dirt bike and the Zero S street legal motorcycle there (Booth #3064) this December 11-13, 2009.

Zero MX
The Zero MX is designed for taking jumps on the track by using a new high performance motorcycle suspension system. It includes a beefier front end and a newly developed custom rear shock that gives riders a fully adjustable spring preload and easily tuned damping. The Zero MX has also been fitted with an aggressive 19” front wheel and tire package that will accommodate any motocross tire.

Zero S
Developed to aggressively take on urban environments, the Zero S integrates revolutionary technology with innovative motorcycle design. In addition to its performance and maneuverability, the Zero S uses a completely non-toxic lithium ion array and the majority of the motorcycle is fully recyclable. The landfill approved power pack recharges in less than four hours while plugged into a standard 110V or 220V outlet. Eco-friendly with zero emissions, the Zero S is also economy-friendly with an operating cost of less than one cent per mile or kilometer.

The Toronto Motorcycle Show is one of seven Canadian motorcycle and ATV shows owned by the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC) and Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV). The Toronto Motorcycle Show is the Canadian motorcycle and ATV industries’ official launch of its cross-Canada tour where the leading manufacturers and distributors offer the riding community a first glimpse of the 2010 models.

Tickets for the show are $16 for adults; $10 for juniors ages 6 to 15 and children under 6 are admitted free. Family passes can be purchased for two adults and two juniors for $38.

WHEN: December 11-13, 2009
Friday & Saturday 10:00am to 9:00pm
Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm


WHERE: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
South Building- Beside the CN Tower
222 Bremner Blvd.
Toronto, Ontario

The Toronto motorcycle show opens today - Friday, December 11th, 2009. So get there any way you can because it's going to be wall-to-wall motorcycles and excitement!

Press Release:

The Toronto Motorcycle Show, the Canadian motorcycle and ATV industries’ premier motorcycle, scooter and ATV event, announced today exciting new additions to the show floor including Norton, Royal Enfield, Husqvarna, Saga, Zero and more.

“The Toronto Motorcycle Show continues to be recognized as the ideal venue to introduce new products to the public,” said Bob Ramsey, president of the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC). “BMW, Can-Am, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Hyosung, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris, Suzuki, Victory, Yamaha and others will all be on hand to present their hot off the line 2010 models.”

“This show features a wide variety of bikes, ATVs, riding gear and accessories available for the 2010 riding season. There are plenty of opportunities to speak with experts about finding the perfect ride to suit your passion,” Ramsey added.

Toronto is the first stop on the MMIC seven-city, cross-country tour and the only Ontario show that features the spectacular motorcycle, scooter and ATV manufacturers’ displays.

“Although the 2009 riding season is just ending, for many enthusiasts, the Toronto Motorcycle Show signifies the beginning of the new 2010 season,” said Show Manager Darryl Bond. “Dec. 11-13 is going to be an action-packed, family friendly weekend that will appeal to new and avid riders, women, and kids of all ages. There’s something for everyone!”

New motorcycles and scooters to launch at the Toronto Motorcycle Show include:

- Honda Canada’s all new 2010 VFR1200F, CBF600F (not available in the US) and the debut of the new VT1300CT Interstate cruiser take place within a spectacular new Honda booth.

- Ducati’s new 2010 1100 Hypermotard EVO, EVOSP and 1198 S Corsa.

- A wide selection of 2010 scooters from Vespa, presented by GP Bikes.

- Zero Motorcycles full-size, street legal electric S motorcycle featuring a lithium-ion power pack and an aircraft grade aluminum frame to achieve an exceptionally high power to weight ratio and extended range.

- Distributed through Triplespoke, Johnny Pag Motorcycles 2010 stylish and affordable 300cc motorcycles, including the Spyder, Barhog, Pro Street and FX-3 models.

- Bens Motorcycles will introduce the new 2010 Aprilia Dorsodura 750 Supermotard featuring electronic fuel injection and ride by wire Tri-Map throttle control that allows the rider to select one of three performance modes: Sport, Touring and Rain.

- Norton Motorcycles new Special Edition 961 Commando will make its Canadian debut.

- Royal Enfield and Triumph round out this year’s British invasion at the show.

The Toronto Motorcycle Show continues to expand its 2010 new model base from manufacturers that also include Saga, E-Moto, Titan, Daelim and Husqvarna complementing BMW, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Hyosung, Kawasaki, Triumph, KTM, BRP, Victory, Harley- Davidson, Ducati and more.

The Toronto Motorcycle Show’s Special Features:

SHE RIDES NITE: The Toronto Motorcycle Show is proud to present SHE RIDES NITE on Friday, Dec. 11with free admission for the ladies after 5 p.m.

Extreme Globe: Three times a day, visitors will be entertained by teenage daredevils Cody and Kyle Ives as they showcase their amazing motorcycle riding skills while defying gravity at the Extreme Globe “sphere of fear” steel cage.

Jason Britton, Host of “SuperBikes” and Extreme Motorcyclist: One of the most celebrated extreme stunt riders and Executive Director of 2Wheel Tuner Magazine, Jason Britton, will be onsite to talk to fans and sign autographs over the weekend at the Parts Canada booth.

Yamaha Riding School for Kids: Yamaha Canada and Canadian Motorcycle Training Services present a free opportunity for kids aged 6 - 12 (certain conditions apply) to learn to ride on the latest Yamaha TT-R off-road motorcycles.

Bikes and Birds: Mark Nash, Executive Director of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation (CPF) will present his crowd-pleasing Live Birds of Prey showcase featuring falcons, eagles, owls and hawks.

Rider Nation: Rider Nation features an extensive variety of riding groups, associations, weekend race events, charity rides and outings motorcyclists from all walks of life can enjoy.

Memory Lane: The Vintage Road Racing Association (VRRA) and Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group (CVMG) presents an exhibit of rare and well preserved racing bikes and heritage motorcycles from the past.

Where:
The Toronto Motorcycle Show
South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
222 Bremner Boulevard (beside the CN Tower)

When:
Friday, Dec. 11, 10a.m. – 9p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 12, 10a.m. – 9p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 13, 10a.m. – 5p.m.

The Deeley Racing/Ruthless Racing Inc. team rises again and aims for the track in 2010

Since the announced discontinuation of Buell™ production by Harley-Davidson Motor Company in October, various speculations and rumours have formed around Canadian racing activity. At this stage, Deeley Harley- Davidson® Canada is proud to announce that it will stay true to its roots in racing and has committed to be on board for the 2010 Parts Canada Superbike Championship, which incidentally marks the series’30th anniversary. The categories supported will be the Pro Superbike, Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike and the new Sports Twins Pro/Am Classes as well as the Western Canadian Championships.

With a different set-up than the previous year, dictated by the tightening of budgets for many manufacturers, the 2010 series will consist of an opening round followed by three double-headers.

The Deeley Racing/Ruthless Racing Inc. team will consist of the experienced Darren James – team owner/rider no. 29 – racing in the Pro Superbike and Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike categories on 2009 Buell™ 1125R™ bikes, with the possibility of Olivier Spilborghs joining in and racing in the Sports Twins Pro/Am Class.

2010 Parts Canada Superbike Championship Schedule

Round One
May 28-30
Circuit ICAR
Mirabel, Quebec

Round Two
June 24-27
Race City Motorsport Park
Calgary, Alberta

Round Three
June 24-27
Race City Motorsport Park
Calgary, Alberta

Round Four
July 8-11
Mosport International Raceway
Bowmanville, Ontario

Round Five
July 8-11
Mosport International Raceway
Bowmanville, Ontario

Round Six
August 5-8
Atlantic Motorsport Park
Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia

Round Seven
August 5-8
Atlantic Motorsport Park
Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia

Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is pleased to once again support this national sport and wishes the Deeley Racing/Ruthless Racing Inc. team a successful upcoming season.

Bruce Parker, president of Joe Rocket Canada, is pleased to announce the launch of their new web site www.joerocket.ca. Developed with a "Hardcore Canadian" theme, the exciting new bilingual site will feature the consumer introduction of the 2010 Joe Rocket Canada riding gear as well as a preview of the much anticipated Joe Rocket helmet collection.

"As the best selling motorcycle apparel brand for over 10 years, Joe Rocket has a very special place with Canadian riders," said Parker. "Now that Joe Rocket Canada is a separate company with 70 new proprietary designs to meet the unique demands of Canadian riders, the Rocket brand will speak to all aspects of Canadian motorcycle culture."

Look for the launch of the new Joe Rocket Canada collection at the Toronto Motorcycle Show, December 11-13, 2009 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

The Toronto Motorcycle show is set to take place December 11th- 1th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For full details check out their website HERE.

CONCORD, Ontario (November 24, 2009) – It is that time of year again when inclement weather may lead many of us not to be able to actively pursue the art of motorcycling. The next best thing to do is to spend time admiring motorcycles with family and friends, and luckily enough, the MMIC Canadian Motorcycle Shows offer a perfect platform to display the new Harley-Davidson® motorcycles across the country.


The line-up will include the premium 2010 Harley-Davidson® Electra Glide® Ultra Limited motorcycle with its enhanced performance features, making it the must-have for the Grand American Touring aficionado, the funky 2010 Harley-Davidson® Fat Boy® Lo motorcycle with its bold and suave profile, as well as the Sportster® Iron 883TM motorcycle, which allows even the most inexperienced riders to embrace the pure essence of riding.

With a variety of exciting activities including demonstration of bike lifts for women, motorcycle customization displays, UFC video game challenges, as well as free give-aways, such as “How-To” kits, and the chance to win great prizes, the upcoming motorcycle shows allow us the pleasure of sharing our love of the open roads with you.

The MMIC Show Schedule is as follows:

Toronto: December 11 to 13, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Calgary: January 8 to 10, Stampede Park
Edmonton: January 15 to 17, Expo Centre – Northlands
Vancouver area: January 21 to 24, Tradex Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford
City of Québec: February 5 to 7, Centre de foires
Moncton: February 12 to 14, Colisée de Moncton Coliseum
Montreal: February 26 to 28, Palais des congrès de Montréal

The 2010 Parry Sound Sportbike Rally will be continuing on for 2010. At a September 22nd council meeting the town agreed to provide $10,000 for advertising and free usage of the Kinsmen Park for the July 8th to 11th event.

Because of some liability issues they're going to be dropping a couple of events off the roster; the radar run and the amateur stunt show.

Numbers were down slightly in 2009 from 2008. Registered participants in 2008 were 335 people, versus 473 in 2008. Middaugh said might have to do with headquarters being moved from the Bobby Orr Community Centre to Kinsmen Park. Additionally, she said, there was also a motorcycle reunion the same weekend.

“For the past two years, the Parry Sound Motorcycle Association (PSMA) has organized the annual Sportbike Rally,” said Middaugh in her report to council. “The 2009 headquarters were at Kinsmen Park. The event has, to some degree, become part of the Parry Sound culture and attracts hundreds of spectators/participants. The PSMA has significant event organizing experience among its members. By directly organizing and hosting the Sportbike Rally, PSMA has strengthened its organization and formalized their governance structure. This is a good example where, with the town’s support, non-profit and community groups’ capacity has been built.”

In an unusual story from Ontario, a man from Gravenhurst sent police on a chase that included a bit of a triathlon for the rider Denis Totten, 30. Brings new meaning to the run, bike, swim event!

On Sept. 22, Totten was riding his 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle and was apparently weaving in his lane a bit so police decided to pull him over and check it out. When the cruiser got close, Totten pulled a U-turn and took off at speeds up to 112 km/h in a 50-km/h zone. Police continued through multiple intersections until the motorcycle pulled onto Pineridge Gate. Totten then jumped from the bike and took off running.

The rider managed to evade the police and a K9 unit was called in to track him down. The K9 lost the scent on the shore of Gull Lake but found a motorcycle helmet and boot there.

Turns out Totten went for a swim across Gull Lake! He then spent the night in the bush. The next morning at 11:16 he appeared at the Bracebridge OPP detachment, scratched up and wearing wet cloths the court was told. He said he hadn't been drinking but just got frightened and took off.

Totten wasn't wanted, wasn’t breaching any probation orders; and in fact, despite multiple checks, police determined Totten has no criminal record at all.

Judge J.D. Evans accepted a joint sentencing submission for a $1,000 fine and a one-year driving ban.

This past weekend Parry Sound, Ontario hosted the final two rounds of the 2009 Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championships. Matt McAnanama and his crew from dirtybikes.ca put together a challenging and fun course that recieved rave reviews from the riders. At the wrap up party on Sunday evening at the Stockey Center the riders voted the Parry Sound Cross Test as the best of the year. BC was voted best Extreme Test, Alberta best Transfer Trail and Quebec the best Enduro Test. For full results go HERE

Bill Petro, who takes photos for the Toronto Star, attended the event and there will be a write up and photos in this weekend's Saturday Star Wheels section. The Star is distributed across Canada with over a million readers - this is the type of exposure Enduro needs to take the sport to the next level. Be sure to get a copy this weekend - who knows your photo might be there.

Dan Paris from Directmotocross.com, who sent me the podium photos that are attached, sent me his thoughts on the inaugural year of the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championships. I thought Dan's words really summed up the mission of World Enduro Canada and what we are working towards.

As a moto-journalist I’d like to say a few things about the 2009 Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Series. For years, and I mean even as a little mid-70’s kid with a bowl cut, I’ve listened to people bemoaning the state of enduro and off-road racing in Canada. Hosting FIM World Enduro rounds in 2006 and 2007 gave the sport a shot in the arm in a big way. That shot of juice kicked in when the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Series was announced. I was stoked at the news! I mean, I’d guessed from hanging around the sidelines of off-road and motocross races for the better part of 40 years that Enduro was somehow marketable, and in some ways perhaps even more marketable than motocross. And like everyone else, I shrugged my shoulders and wished for something cool to happen.

I scratch out my meagre and unusual living by talking to racers. And the racers I talked to after the opening CEC rounds in Alberta and B.C were thrilled. At the same time as the ultra-cool website www.directmotocross.com (shameless plug there…) was really building steam the talent of Canadian Extreme riders like Shane Cuthbertson and Cory Graffunder was shocking the hell out of the European and U.S elite. After hanging out with the riders and promoters at the Quebec and Parry Sound CEC rounds I believe this series is the biggest thing to happen to dirt bike racing in Canada since the glory days of World Motocross GP racing at Copetown or St.Gabriel. Sure, everyone in the industry expected a baby step from the CEC. A little bump in the leg like a timid dog might do when it's deciding if you’re friendly or not. Instead the Royal Distributing series hit Canada like a pissed off Great White. BAM! Their full speed attack on the status quo could be just what the industry and the sport need so badly these days. But then again, what do I know?

“Motocross is like the pointy tip of a massive iceberg,” Gopher Dunes owner Frank Schuster explained to me back when I first started writing. “Those few guys drive the sport and give the kids heroes to emulate. More and more of their used bikes pile up every year and new riders pile onto them. The further you go down the bigger that iceberg becomes. All of those weekend warriors are out there bombing around on beater bikes, just trail riding and having fun. And spending money.” With Frank’s comment in mind, what could possibly entertain a wider audience than CEC style enduro?

Aside from the fact that sports these days are all about being ‘Extreme’, Enduro racing has mixed the traditional elements of motocross, woods racing and trials competition with a down to earth vibe. It’s sort of like a racing version of your average ‘On any Sunday’ trail ride with your buddies when you think about it. I overheard a disbeliever at Parry Sound saying, “Sure it’s cool and all, but I don’t think this series will really help sell bikes.” To that I say baloney. The Pros of the CEC Series are the new wave of two-wheeled rock stars, kicking out the jams and showing just what is possible on a dirt bike. Thanks to the team at World Enduro Canada, plus the racers, volunteers, media and sponsors that made the Royal Distributing CEC series such a success, Enduro racing is no longer something moto-marketing gurus can ignore. Three cheers to all of you guys who made it happen!

Dan Paris
www.directmotocross.com

Just heard from Dave Hatch over at Motorcycle Experience and they've got something brewing with Bryan "Mr. Scooter Sense" Hudgin. If you watch Motorcycle Experience that'll be enough for you to know who he is! For those who don't recognize him - we snagged a photo from Yamaha Canada's website.

Now guys, Quebec and Ontario are only two of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada but having driven from Winnipeg to Nova Scotia several times I can say that Ontario is pretty huge! Might be a long ride for Bryan depending on what scooter he chooses to make the trip on.

Best of luck!

An Ontario Court Justice has reportedly struck down Ontario's new "stunt driving" legislation as being unconstitutional.

Press Release - Source: CNW Newswire

A one-of-a-kind chopper has been created by celebrity custom motorcycle builder Orange County Choppers (OCC), inspired by the work of Ontario's transport medicine service provider, Ornge. Experience the unveiling of this unique motorcycle; the first created by OCC for a charity in Canada. At the same time, learn about Ornge and the Ornge Foundation, whose important work includes raising funds to buy aero-medical equipment, promoting improvements in patient care, and encouraging the education and training of healthcare providers in the field of transport medicine.

Who: Paul Teutul Sr., founder, Orange County Choppers Dr. Christopher Mazza, founder, president and CEO of Ornge Debbie McGarry, chief operating officer, Ornge Foundation Lou Bartolotta, executive vice-president sales, AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company
When: Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 4:45 p.m.
Where: South entrance of the CN Tower on Bremner Blvd.

Following the bike reveal, the Toronto Blue Jays will help Orange County Choppers raise awareness of Ornge at their evening game against the New York Yankees. Various activities will include a display of the custom Ornge/Orange County Choppers bike in Rogers Centre, and Paul Teutul Sr., throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at 7:00 p.m. That evening, the CN Tower will be bathed in orange light in recognition of Ornge.

As of the end of June, Zero motorcycles (maker of electric motorcycles) has the following new dealers that have demo units on the floor now or they will very soon:

- Ottawa, ON - Gear Head Canada (www.gearheadcanada.com)
- Duncan, BC - Duncan Motorsports (www.duncanmotorsports.com)
- Surrey, BC - Greater Vancouver Powersports (www.gvps.ca)
- Penticton, BC - Ceder Motorsports
- Pemberton/Whistler, BC - Valley Chainsaw & Recreational Ltd
- Calgary, AB - Bow Cycle (www.bowcycle.com)

Check one out, then let us know about it!

Trail Tours, a dirt-bike and ATV school operating in the Ganaraska forest (just 20 minutes from Peterborough), will be holding a BMW Dual Sport Clinic on August 22nd/09.

They have an arrangement with BMW whereby if you buy a BMW dual sport bike you get a free day of training. The participants are first put on the Trail Tour owned motorcycles in the morning and they're taught all the basic fundamentals, then they get on their own bikes, performing drills etc. in the afternoon.

Anyone is welcome if they own a BMW but they pay $129.

Check out Trail Tours on the web HERE.

It's perhaps a little early to be thinking ahead to December and the new year for some, but for others who like to plan well in advance - break out your schedule - you won't want to miss this!

Dates for the first four of seven events of the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC) new model tour and showcase have been set. The event travels coast to coast each year, bringing riders and media their first glimpse of the new models, gear and accessories.

The Toronto Motorcycle Show marks the first of the events, followed by Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.

Toronto -- December 11-13th, 2009
Calgary -- January 8-10th, 2010
Edmonton -- January 15-17th, 2010
Vancouver -- January 21-24th, 2010

Keep an eye on the Canadian Motorcycle Shows website HERE.

The Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR) has recently issued comments about a study they completed that outlines the economic benefits of trail riding in Ontario. The study was completed with the help of our members and The Tourism Company, an independent tourism consulting company.

What did they find? Big shock here - trail riding provides a huge economic benefit in Ontario! Just how much though is something you may find interesting.

The report indicates that during 2008 there was approximately $132.4 million spent on motorcycle trail-riding activities.

That's 58.2 million of labour income from employment, approximately $288,200 of municipal tax revenues, $23.7 million of provincial tax revenues, and 27.8 million in federal tax revenues.

To read the full press release on the report as written by Jon Dinsmore - OFTR director (and details on how they arrived at these numbers) check out the link at OFTR -- HERE.

For a copy of the report click HERE. Note - It is a PDF.

We got some news from the folks at the WEC about the upcoming 3 & 4th rounds of the 2009 Wiesner Insurance National Trials Championships. Should be exciting.

The events will be taking place in Mansfield, ON Aug 22 & 23. They're also looking for volunteers to help out. No experience necessary!


Here's the full press release:

The final 2 rounds of the 2009 Wiesner Insurance National Trials Championships are rapidly approaching. The first two rounds held in Summerland BC in May were a big success and the Trials community has welcomed their new sanctioning body, World Enduro Canada, with open arms.

Trials is a very popular motorcycling activity around the world and is gaining popularity in North America partly due to the stellar success some former trials riders like David Knight, Juha Salminen and Taddy Blazusiak are having in the Off Road Racing World. Trials is one of the original Extreme sports and riders from other motorcycle disciplines are realizing the cross over benefits that trials riding has to offer. This is the first true Canadian Trials Championship in years and there are a number of riders who are travelling across the country to compete to make it a true National series.

Rounds 3 & 4 are being held in the hilly terrain outside Mansfield, ON Aug 22 & 23. Mansfield is a short drive north of Toronto, an easy day trip to watch some exciting riding skills in action. Start time will be 11am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday.

Directions are simple:

- take Airport Rd north from Toronto towards Mansfield
- cross over hwy 89 and start watching for arrows
- turn right on 5th side road then a left on 7th concession which is a dead end road and parking will be labelled

For anyone interested in helping out we are looking for checkers to mark the riders in the test area. There is NO experience required - other than being able to count to at least 5 - and the best part is you get a front row seat to the best action. Anyone interested in helping or if you want more info on the event contact the Organizer Dean Mayke at Dean.Mayke@rci.rogers.com or visit our web site www.worldendurocanada.com


Hope to see you all there!

Studio Cycle Group, located at 2923 Dundas St. W in the heart of Toronto’s Junction district will be hosting a Demo Day for Charity this Sunday, July 26th between 11am and 3pm.

Licensed LSM, M, M1, or M2 riders will have the opportunity to try out a KYMCO scooter or motorcycle and participants will be asked to make a $5.00 donation which will go directly to Kids Help Phone. Studio Cycle Group will also be donating $1.00 from every purchase on Sunday July 26th to Kids Help Phone as well!

Not interested in test riding? Well, there are a lot of other reasons to visit Studio Cycle Group on Sunday July 26th, here are just a few:

- Custom helmet fittings for ARAI helmets on site – If you purchase an ARAI that
day you’ll receive a 10% discount PLUS a free Ogio helmet bag.
- In store sales offering 10% and 25% off select items including all Hart &
Huntington apparel, NEXO Sports Gear, Troy Lee Designs, Etnies shoes and more!
- A Humber College Training instructor will be on site to answer any questions about licensing.
- Be sure to ask about our selection of Pirelli bike tires as well!
-Pick up a Studio Cycle Group magnet tag and sign up on our customer list to qualify for ongoing offers. You can even take one for a friend!

We’re looking forward to seeing you on Sunday – rain or shine!

Harley Davidson is BIG on demo days and they take their bikes clear across the country offering riders a chance to see what makes riding a Harley Davidson so appealing.

They've got tons of rides scheduled for August, September, and October. Here's the list and locations of Harley Demo rides all across Canada:

August 2, 2009 - Barrie H-D, Barrie, ON
August 6, 2009 - MotoSport Plus, Kingston, ON
August 7, 2009 - H-D of Yorkton, Yorkton, SK
August 8, 2009 - Centre de Motos, Brossard, QC
August 8, 2009 - Redline H-D, Saskatoon, SK
August 9, 2009 - Prairie Motorcycle, Regina, SK
August 10, 2009 - Vision H-D, Repentigny, QC
August 13-15, 2009 - Canadian National H.O.G. Rally. Calgary, AB
August 13, 2009 - Moto Sport Blanchette, Ville de Bécancour, QC
August 14, 2009 - Sherbrooke H-D, Sherbrooke, QC
August 15, 2009 - H-D Montreal, Montreal, QC
August 16, 2009 - H-D Laval / Laval Buell, Laval, QC
August 16, 2009 - Lethbridge H-D, Lethbridge, AB
August 18, 2009 - H-D / Buell of the Kootenays, Cranbrook, BC
August 19, 2009 - H-D / Buell of the Kootenays, Castlegar, BC
August 19, 2009 - Pete's Sales & Service, Pembroke, ON
August 20, 2009 - H-D de L'Outaouais, Gatineau, QC
August 21, 2009 - Kane’s H-D, Kelowna, BC
August 22, 2009 - Kamloops H-D, Kamloops, BC
August 22, 2009 - Sport Boutin, Valleyfield, QC
August 23, 2009 - Mountain View H-D / Buell, Chilliwack, BC
August 23, 2009 - Shwinigan H-D, Shawinigan, QC
August 26-27, 2009 - Steve Drane H-D, Victoria, BC
August 28, 2009 - Barnes H-D / Buell, Port Coquitlam, BC
August 29, 2009 - Barnes H-D / Buell, Langley, BC
August 29-30, 2009 - Cycle City, Mount Pearl, NL
August 30, 2009 - Trev Deeley Motorcycles, Vancouver, BC
September 2-3, 2009 - H-D of Prince George, Prince George, BC
September 3, 2009 - Privateers H-D, Halifax, NS
September 5, 2009 - H-D of Smithers, Smithers, BC
September 5-6, 2009 - Wharf Rat Rally, Digby, NS
September 9, 2009 - Eldridge's, St. John, NB
September 9-10, 2009 - H-D Grande Prairie, Grande Prairie, AB
September 10, 2009 - Red Rock H-D, Cornwall, PEI
September 11, 2009 - J.H. Stewart, Miramichi, NB
September 12, 2009 - H-D of Edmonton, Edmonton, AB
September 12, 2009 - Toys for Big Boys, Moncton, NB
September 13, 2009 - Heritage H-D, Edmonton, AB
September 15, 2009 - Redline H-D Shop Lloydminster, Lloydminster, AB
September 17, 2009 - H-D of Fort McMurray, Fort McMurray, AB
September 17, 2009 - R.P.M. Moto Plus, St. Felicien, QC
September 19, 2009 - Gasoline Alley H-D, Red Deer, AB
September 19, 2009 - H-D Rimouski, Rimouski, QC
September 20, 2009 - H-D of Medicine Hat, Dunmore, AB
September 20, 2009 - Motosports G.P., Victoriaville, QC
September 24, 2009 - Atelier de Mécanique Prémont, Québec City, QC
September 25, 2009 - Lone Star H-D, Winnipeg, MB
September 25, 2009 - Prémont Beauce H-D (Shop), Notre-Dame-des-Pins, QC
September 26, 2009 - Boileau Moto Service et H-D, Acton Vale, QC
September 26, 2009 - H-D Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB
September 27, 2009 - Gaslight H-D, Morden, MB
September 27, 2009 - Goulet Motosports, Hawkesbury, ON
September 30, 2009 - Thunder Bay H-D,Thunder Bay, ON
October 3, 2009 - H-D of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
October 3, 2009 - The Shop, Sudbury, ON
October 4, 2009 - Fox H-D / Buell, Owen Sound, ON
October 4, 2009 - Longley H-D of Peterborough, Peterborough, ON
October 6, 2009 - Clare's Cycle & Sports, Niagara on the Lake, ON
October 6, 2009 - Motorsport Custom Accessories, Sarnia, ON
October 9, 2009 - Duke’s H-D, Blenheim, ON
October 10, 2009 - Davies H-D, Richmond Hill, ON
October 10, 2009 - Mackie H-D, Oshawa, ON
October 17, 2009 - H-D of Toronto, Toronto, ON
October 17, 2009 - Rocky's H-D, London, ON
October 18, 2009 - Jacox H-D, Mississauga, ON
October 18, 2009 - Kitchener H-D, Kitchener, ON
October 24, 2009 - Thunder Road H-D, Windsor, ON

Are you looking for something to do this weekend? You could always keep an eye on our Calendar of Events page; but if you're in the Ontario region you've got several events to choose from. If custom bikes are your thing you'll want to head on over to the Canadian Biker Build Off.

The Canadian Biker Build Off is celebrating it's 5th year this coming weekend (July 25-16th). It's taking place at the Niagara Regional Exhibition, 1100 Niagara Street, Welland Ontario.

There's a whole bunch of things going on, multiple bike shows, tattoo'ing, slow ride competitions, live music, the Biker Build Off (of course) and too many other things to list. They've got a huge schedule with something for everybody.

Check out their website HERE.

Snow City Cycle Marine in Toronto, Ontario is having a CAN-AM SPYDER demo ride day this Thursdsay, July 23th.

Date: Thursday July 23, 2009
Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

You MUST have the following to participate in the ride:

- Be at least 21 years of age
- Full "M" licence
- Have an APPROVED helment,jacket, gloves and boots.

Please e-mail info@snowcity.com with your name, contact phone number and the time you would like to ride.

They're also having a bit of a sale on SPYDER Accessories. Click HERE for the 20% off coupon.

Visit their website HERE.

RMP Racing’s Ross Millson and Steven Nickerson are primed for a great weekend at Mosport International Raceway’s Doubleheader round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

After a challenging race out west at Calgary’s Race City Motorsports Park, Millson is looking forward to returning to Mosport to compete in Canada’s premier road racing series aboard his Inside Motorcycles / Tri-City Cycle & Sports / Motovan sponsored #39 Suzuki GSX-R1000.

“The doubleheader round at Mosport is always a highlight of the season for me” said Millson. “Not only do I get to enjoy twice the amount of track time on such a renowned and technical track, I’m also able to spend time with family who live in the area.”

Millson and Nickerson's pre-race weekend activities began last week when they sat down to talk with The Hamilton Spectator's Motorsports columnist, Tim Miller, to discuss Nickerson’s racing background and his season so far.

This past weekend Nickerson enjoyed taking his #661 RMP Racing / Canadian Motorsports Expo / Infinet Designs sponsored Honda CBR125R for a few laps around the streets of the Exhibition Place as part of a series of demonstration races at the Honda Indy Toronto.

Nickerson, who has already achieved four consecutive podium finishes in the Honda CB125R Challenge series this season, is not only eager to race at Mosport but to also take in as many of Mosport’s doubleheader festivities as possible.

This will be Nickerson’s first race on Mosport’s legendary 3.9km 10-turn road circuit.

“I’ll be looking to Ross for lots of advice on line choice and setup” said Nickerson. “Horsepower in my class is limited so I really have to make the most of the draft, corner speed and line choice to gain an advantage.

Courtesy of CRC Racwear, the RMP Racing crew will be sporting new pit crew shirts that now feature the 2010 Canadian Motorports Expo logo. The Canadian Motorsports Expo (CME) is where the RMP Racing’s season began last January and is proud to promote the 2010 CME which will be held January 22-24, 2010 at the International Centre in Toronto.

Motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to drop by the RMP Racing paddock to pick up the Official Series Program, a copy of the latest issue of Inside Motorcycles and to fill out a ballot to enter a draw for a Zox Helmet. Millson and Nickerson will be on hand throughout the weekend to chat with spectators and sign posters digitally printed by the Essential Image.

Canada’s biggest motorcycle road racing event of the year is not only renowned for some of the best racing of the year it boasts numerous off track activities for all to enjoy.

Throughout the weekend Suzuki Canada will be offering demo rides on their latest models and on Saturday afternoon, July 18th, the first annual Motorcycle Road Racers Reunion will take place. Canadian recording artists Sloan and Crash Parallel will perform Saturday evening.

A three-day SuperTicket is just $60 at the Gate and each ticket includes parking, paddock admission, and entrance to Saturday Night Stock Car racing at Mosport Speedway. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult admission. Single day tickets are also available.

For more information call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET) or visit Mosport online at www.mosport.com.

The weather is really warming up and motorcyclists are being drawn to the roads like moths to a flame. If you find yourself drawn to the road on your motorcycle this weekend and are in search of an Ontario destination here' are a couple of options for you.

---
Hog Riders Day & July Blow Out Sale this Saturday, July 11th from 11am - 3 pm


Events include:

Live Band
Ride Thunder the mechanical bull - Just for fun...
Super Draws & Giveaway's
Detailing Demos
Service Dept. Information Centre
Beef on a bun BBQ

1399 8th Line of Smith, Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0
1-888-292-8305
www.usedhd.ca



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Bennett Powersports Open House

Bennett Powersports are proud to announce that we added YAMAHA to our dealership. We would like to personally invite you to our open house taking place on Saturday July 11, 2009 starting at 9:00 am and going until 4:00 pm. Come by and take advantage of our day sales event, no freight or PDI on all units. Take your dream bike out for a ride with the 2009 YAMAHA POWER TOUR and join us for a BBQ and refreshments.

After your ride, stay for the show. The popular stunt team ILLADVISED will perform a motorcycle stunt show for you to watch.

Pop a balloon and win 10-50% off of your clothing and accessories purchase. Check out our well stocked showroom and talk to our always friendly and knowledgeable staff.

There will be plenty of parking and fun for all. Bring a valid M2 or full M licence, jacket, and helmet in order for you to ride.

We are looking forward to having you come out for our open house. See you on Saturday, July 11, 2009"

Bennett Powersports Team.

701 Brock Street N, WEhitby, ON L1N 8R3
905-430-6360 or 866-430-6360
www.bennettpowersports.com

Two great Canadian Bands will be entertaining the masses at Mosport this July 17-19 weekend at the 2009 BMW Motorrad Summerfest. Halifax based Sloan and Toronto based Crash Parallel will be taking the stage on Saturday.

There's going to be a lot more than music at Summerfest too though. Racing, BMW Marketplace, on and off-road test rides, an off-road skills course, and demo rides.

Plan to be there! Full press release follows -

Courtesy of Canadian Superbike:

Canadian recording artists Sloan and Crash Parallel will headline the BMW Motorrad Summerfest as part of the Parts Canada Superbike Doubleheader at Mosport, July 17-19, Canada’s biggest motorcycle road racing event of the year.

The bands will take to the BMW Motorrad Concert Stage on the Saturday of the manufacturer’s three-day motorcycle lifestyle experience, making its return to Mosport for the third year. Designed to cater to the motorcycle enthusiast, Summerfest features the BMW Marketplace, on and off-road test rides and an off-road skills course. New for 2009 is the addition of BMW Motorrad Enduro rider Guy Giroux, who will act as an instructor for the off- road skills course.

Formed in 1991 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, four-member Sloan released its first record in 1992. Since then, the band has recorded and released 10 records to critical acclaim across North America. Sloan’s contemporary, yet instantly recognizable rock and roll sound has endeared them to a large and devoted fan following across the continent, particularly in Canada. Nominated numerous times during their career, Sloan has won four East Coast Music Awards and a Juno Award. Now based in Toronto, Sloan’s latest record, Parallel Play, was released in 2008.

Relative newcomers to the Canadian rock music scene, Toronto’s Crash Parallel was formed in 2005 and released their successful debut album, World We Know, in May 2008. The record has produced five singles to date, including the smash hit, World We Know. The band hit number one on the Billboard Emerging Canadian Artist Chart in the spring of 2008 and won the 2009 Canadian Radio Music Award for Best New Group of the Year.

In addition to Summerfest, the Yamaha Riding Academy will once again be offering it’s free riding clinic for children ages 6 to 12. The Academy provides professional instruction to youngsters on how to ride off-road motorcycles in a safe and fun manner.

Adults will also have any opportunity to do some riding when top manufacturers such as Suzuki offer demo rides on their latest models on neighbouring roads near Mosport. With the exception of the Yamaha Riding Academy (which supplies all required equipment), participants for all riding activities must have a valid motorcycle license, riding gear and helmet.

The Parts Canada Superbike Doubleheader, the only Toronto-area stop for the national Parts Canada Superbike Championship, features Canada’s top riders.

Three-time defending Superbike champion Jordan Szoke of Brantford, Ontario, and current points leader, 17 year-old phenom Brett McCormick of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan will battle it out in two points races against a deep field of perennial contenders and up-and-coming stars.

The weekend schedule also includes races in the Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike class, the Armour Bodies Amateur 600 Sport Bike Championship, the Suzuki SV650 Cup, the Pro Honda Oils Women's Cup Challenge and the Honda CBR125R Challenge.

A three-day SuperTicket is just $50 until July 15 ($60 at the Gate) and each ticket includes parking, paddock admission, and entrance to Saturday Night Stock Car racing at Mosport Speedway. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult admission. Single day tickets are also available.

General and family camping areas are available complete with full-service washrooms, showers and children's playgrounds. An advanced three-day weekend general camping pass is just $30 (for tents or pop-up trailers). RVs are $50 for the weekend.

For more information about Mosport ticket packages and camping, call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET) or visit online at www.mosport.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.

Hamilton ON, CANADA – Mississauga-based G.M.D Computrack Ontario and Pro Superbike racer Ross Millson are proud to announce their new partnership for the balance of the 2009 season.

G.M.D Computrack Ontario will provide precision chassis measurements of Millson’s Suzuki GSX-R1000 to detect and rectify potential frame misalignment issues and to unlock the hidden potential of his motorcycle’s chassis.

“Our aim is to help Ross and the RMP Racing team to be as successful as possible at the upcoming Parts Canada Superbike Championships doubleheader at Mosport and beyond” said G.M.D Computrack Ontario’s owner Adrian Baird.

“We'll look at all of the various geometric parameters that are critical to the handling of Ross’ bike and discuss the findings with Computrack's inventor Greg McDonald. This will allow us to determine how the bike should be set up to maximize the mechanical grip and help Ross achieve his best lap times” commented Baird.

The G.M.D. Computrack system was invented by Australian Greg McDonald. His development started back in 1982 and was perfected over the next 11 years. Since then, the company has grown by leaps and bounds. There are now eleven licensed workshops in the United States and another dozen in other parts of the world including Canada.

The system and related services benefit all riders from Pros to amateurs as well as trackday and street riders. The G.M.D. Computrack system has been used successfully by top-ranked professional racers around the world.

“I’m very interested to see what the results are for my bike” said Millson. “It will be reassuring to know that my chassis’ alignment is optimal for the second half of our season.”

G.M.D. Computrack's findings on Millson's chassis measurements and subsequent recommendations will be reported on in a future issue of Inside Motorcycles.

On Wed July 22/2009 Clarington Honda and Honda Canada will be hosting a tech seminar on the Varadero and the CBF1000.

From the folks at Clarington Honda:

Honda Canada will be doing a seminar as well as a demo ride on Veradero and CBF 1000. Clarington Honda will also have competitors models available to ride too.

The event will be taking place on site at our dealership in Bowmanville, ON as well that night is bike night too. We ask that anyone interested in participating call and confirm your attendance so we no how many people to expect.

This is a great opportunity to ride our bikes as well as the competitor models to get a first hand feel for what makes Honda the leader in engineering and performance.

Contact Mike to book your spot, spots are filling fast.

Mike Michea
Clarington Honda (29 Spicer Square, Bowmanville ON)
Your Honda Everything Store
905-697-2333 ext.111
Fax: 905-697-2327
mike.michea@claringtonhonda.com

KYMCO Canada and corporate store Studio Cycle Group have been selected to participate in the Live Green Toronto Festival taking place at Yonge & Dundas Square.

Join us and 30,000 others on Saturday, July 25th 2009 for the weekend festivities which promise local food, live music, over 100 “Green” exhibitors, and so much more!

KYMCO Canada will be featuring scooters on site that are an environmentally conscious alternative mode of transportation both within the urban landscape and beyond. This zero-waste event will allow visitors to investigate products that fit into their green lifestyle. With scooters consuming less fuel, and with every litre taking you further and further, choosing to ride a scooter guarantees that your carbon footprint will be significantly smaller than those who rely on cars without sacrificing your urban mobility.

Coinciding with the events of the Live Green Toronto Festival, Studio Cycle Group (located at 2923 Dundas St. W) will be hosting a Demo Day for charity on Sunday, July 26th between 11am and 3pm. The demo day, which allows licensed LSM, M, M1 or M2 riders a chance to try out a KYMCO scooter or motorcycle, will ask participants for a $5.00 donation which will go directly to Kids Help Phone.

More details coming soon!

The Provincial Road Cycling Championships - taking place in Ontario, from Aldershot to Waterdown. The organizers are looking for motorcyclists to help out with the event.

Full details follow:

Volunteers are wanted to help support The Provincial Road Cycling Championships - July 26, 2009 between Aldershot and Waterdown.

Like in the Tour De France motos will be used for moving officials, photographers around the peloton and directing on coming traffic away from the cyclists as they race up and down the 11.25 km escarpment circuit (4 to 12 laps). 3 time slots.

Gas and honoria paid.

Lots of fun.

If interested please email Craig@torontocyclocross.com

Thanks

HB Cycle & Outdoor Centre is holding a Suzuki Demo ride day on Saturday, June 20th from 9am to 4pm.

There's going to be an M109R, M90, C90T, C50T, S40, M50, a GSXR750, and a DL650 (V-Strom) available for demo's. You'll also get some deals on all in-stock clothing, helmets, and accessories 15-20% off.

All models are on sale and special deals will be offered

Address:
RR2, Cameron, Ontario K0M 1G0 Phone: 705-328-BIKE(2453) Fax: 705-328-3504 Email: email@hbcycle.com Visit: www.hbcycle.com Directions: Drive 6km North of Lindsay on Hwy. 35

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Friday 9:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday closed

*click image for larger version:

"Female Rider's Day" & Strongman Competition

This Saturday June 13th, 11am - 3pm. Free tank tops & gifts for the ladies! All ladies welcome on all types of bikes... Door prize draws every 30 minutes!

BBQ Chicken Kabobs, hamburgers & hot dogs, beverage & veggies included! $2.00 each. All proceeds going towards the "Support Our Troops" Campaign

It's not too late guy's, you can still enter the "Strong Man Competition"

Events Include:

- Harley Press
- Honda Haul
- Tire Discus Throw
- Metric Engine Sprint
- Tire Race

We are also having a "Hairy Chest Competition"

The Strong Man Competition begins at 12 noon so be sure you register in advance!

Call Charlene at 1-888-292-8305

Classy Chassis & Cycles

OVER 115 Harley Davidson Motorcycles in stock!

1399 8th Line of Smith
Lakefield, On
1-888-292-8305
www.usedhd.ca

Two Wheel Motorsports of Guelph and Kawasaki presents Round 3 of 6 in the 2009 Royal Distributing and Motovan.com CMRC Ontario Provincial Motocross Championships Saturday June 13 and Sunday June 14 at Walton Raceway.

In addition this event is the fourth and final Amateur National Qualifier (ANQ) for the southwestern Ontario region of CMRC (Canadian Motorsport Racing Club). Success at the ANQs is critical for riders wanting to participate in the August 12-16 Walton TransCan GNC.

The Grand National Championship is a limited entry event which only accepts riders from across the country who have demonstrated their ability by placing in the top ranks of their respective regional qualifiers. In southwestern Ontario only the top 11 riders in each class qualifier are guaranteed a starting gate position at the TransCan!

The support of Two Wheel Motorsports of Guelph and Kawasaki has enabled us to offer the two day format which results in longer motos and better track maintenance so visit Graeme and Ron to give them some props. For the past 5 years the Walton Double Header in June has seen the biggest rider entry of any event in the country. Not only that, but with so much at stake, it attracts competitors from neighbouring states and provinces for some of the most intense battles and spectacular displays of skill you will see short of the August TransCan.

So grab some sunscreen and a comfy lawn chair and come celebrate the start of summer!

Event Details:

Start Time: Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 8:00am
End Time: Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 6:00pm
Location: 42852 Walton Rd, Walton, ON, Canada
Street: 42852 Walton Road
City/Town: Seaforth, ON

FRIDAY

GATES OPEN: from 4pm to 10pm
EARLY SIGN-IN : Fri. from 7pm to 9pm

GATE FEES :

$10 per day per adult for admission
$7 per day per child (age 5 - 11)for admission
Preschoolers are FREE (to age 4)
Motor home/trailer/vehicle pays $10 per night camping for overnight stay.
** visitors arriving Friday or up to 3:00pm Saturday will be required to purchase a full weekend pass and will be issued a wrist band but if leaving before 6:00pm Saturday can request a refund for the the Sunday gate.

SATURDAY

GATES OPEN: 6:00am.
SIGN-IN : 6:30am to 8:30am
MANDATORY Riders Meeting at 8:00am
PRACTICE Begins at 8:15am
RACING follows practice starting approx. 9:30am
EARLY SIGN-IN FOR SUNDAY: Saturday evening from 8pm to 9pm

GATES CLOSE: 10:00pm

SUNDAY

GATES OPEN: 6:00am

GATE FEES :
$10 per adult per day
$7 per child (5 - 11) per day
Preschoolers FREE (to age 4)

SIGN-IN : 6:30am to 8:30am

Clarington Honda in Bowmanville, Ontario is having a big party on Wednesday, June 3rd (5:30 pm to 7 pm). It's a live freestyle and motocross extravaganza!

Okay, we made up the extravaganza part, but there's going to be a lot of action and some impressive skills on display. Best of all - admission is free, there will also be a BBQ and refreshments on site too.

Here's a shot of the event banner. Click the image for a larger version.


For more details contact:

Clarington Honda
29 Spicer Square, Bowmanville ON
Tel.: 1 866 950-9954

Spoiled Sports is having a Victory Demo Ride at their shop in Bowmanville, on Friday May 29th between 9:00 am & 5:00 pm and again Saturday May 30th between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Weather permitting.

Full M License required, as is proper motorcycle attire. See their website or call for more details.

Spoiled Sports
1898 Baseline Rd
Bowmanville, ON
L1C 3K3
(905)436-6487

Asselstine's in Blackstock, Ontario are having a Suzuki Demo Ride on Friday May 29th between 10:00 am & 4:00 pm, and again Saturday May 30th between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, weather permitting.

Full M License required and proper motorcycle attire. See their website or call for more details.

Check out their website here.

Asselstine Country 905.986.4437
3580 Byers Road, Blackstock, ON, L0B 1B0
Toll Free 1.877.986.4437

Get yer GPS ready because Rallyconnex is having a Training Day.

Spring Training – Start Location – Orange Motorsports in Baltimore (just north of Cobourg on Hwy 45)

Sign in starts at 8 am. While the GPSs are being loaded we will do a brief classroom session consisting of a brief GPS training, bike set-up and riding techniques. Note the classroom session has been shortened this year so that we can spend more time on the bikes. You will then follow a GPS route to the off road training center. Dress warm during the morning ride, and then shed a layer or two when we get to the training area.

Once there we will split into small groups based on ability and bike size and rotate through several technical training sessions. Sessions include: emergency gravel braking, handling ruts, log crossings, off-camber maneuvers, single track trail, water crossings, low speed jumps, and the ever popular barrel runs. Lunch will again be provided. Afternoon sessions concentrate on off-road riding technique training and practice, before returning to the start via another GPS route. All sizes of bikes are welcome and there are “stock tire” and “aggressive tire” routes to choose from. This event is the perfect way to shake out the cobwebs from a long winter, and learn some new techniques. As usual, the event is fully supported with sweep riders and support truck. There will be space for any bulky luggage in the trailer.

Training day is held the day before Mother’s Day. In honour of our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts and friends, this event will be a fundraiser for the 2009 Weekend to End Breast Cancer. Riders from previous years will know that this is the fourth year that Lynda Burnett and her sister Laura Murray will walk in the 60 km event. Proceeds will be donated to team T.W.I.N.S. (Transforming Walking Into New Strength). There will also be pink ribbon merchandise available for sale for Mother’s Day gifts, and Gatorade and Power Bars will also be for sale for donations.

All entries are made through our secure Paypal links on our website. Pre-entry is encouraged, to secure yourself some lunch!

Go to www.rallyconnex.com or email us at rallyconnex@gmail.com

Mackie Harley-Davidson is one of the largest exclusive Harley-Davidson Dealerships in the GTA area and they're giving riders a chance to test out a new machine from Harley-Davidson.

WHEN: Saturday, May 9th 2009
TIME: 9am to 4:00pm
LOCATION: Mackie Harley-Davidson® Durham's premier Harley-Davidson® motorcycle dealer, conveniently located off HWY 401 & Thickson Road, at the Whitby/Oshawa border
MORE:
Never ridden a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle? Want to take a different H-D motorcycle model for a ride?

Licensed riders are encouraged to bring proper riding gear and come take advantage of this great opportunity to take one or more of the Harley-Davidson® motorcycles on the demo truck for a ride.

Weather Permitting. First Come, First Serve.

Check out their website here.

The Derek and Bob - Rumball Foundation have been helping to improve the quality of life of the Deaf in Ontario for years.

Dave Hatch, host of TSN’s Motorcycle Experience, says everything is now set to go for the re-launch this summer of the popular Ride to Remember motorcycle rally in Eastern Ontario. The annual fund raising event for Camp Trillium celebrates all things on two wheels, and, along with the support of the Hallowell Firefighters, has donated over $80,000 dollars to Camp Trillium.

This year, the Ride to Remember will touch down for one day only at the Picton Airport, on Saturday June 6. Hatch noted that the event had been in hiatus for a couple of years after the Ride For Sight motorcycle rally set up camp in Trenton two years ago. “The Hallowell Firefighters felt that there was no way we could compete with a national fund raising machine like the Ride For Sight when it moved into the neighborhood,” Hatch said, “so we decided to take a break, but now that the Ride For Sight has moved back up to its' original site in Collingwood, that pretty much opened the door for us to kick start the Ride To Remember.”

Thanks to the generosity of the owners of Loch Sloy Holdings, local bikers will enjoy Factory Demo Rides provided by Suzuki, Honda, BMW and Harley-Davidson starting from the rally’s original host site located up at the historic Picton Airport. Once again the manufacturers will be inviting licensed motorcycle riders to sample their new motorcycle lineups on a scenic trip through Prince Edward County.

In keeping with the firefighters wishes for the Ride to Remember to remain a family oriented happening, this year they’ve added some exciting new features like the Buell Stunt Riding Show. There will also be a Massive Silent Action that boasts some of the best motorcycle bargains in Ontario, and while the bikers check out the deals, they will also be able to enjoy Live Music on site all day. Many local motorcycle dealers will be on hand, displaying the very latest in riding gear and accessories, and a couple of local farm equipment vendors have promised to bring along their spectacular line-up of 2009 ATVs. Back by popular demand is the Yamaha Riding Academy. The Riding Academy is a popular mini bike training area for children aged six to twelve! The folks from Yamaha provide the instructors, bikes, all the riding gear, and no experience is required. Keep your feet on the pegs and your right hand cranked, and ride up to the Picton Airport for the Ride to Remember. We look forward to seeing you there!

7th Annual Ride to Remember - Saturday June 6

Picton Airport - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

$10.00 donation at the gate / students $5.00 / children under 12 free

For more information visit: www.ridetoremember.ca

This year we remember Maxime Mercier

The Ride to Remember donates 100% of all proceeds to Camp Trillium

Ladies from Toronto, Ontario - Harley Davidson has event lined up for Tuesday, 6 May. It's the Precious Metal Gala. Okay, sounds interesting - what is it you say?

Precious Metal Gala is for women who’ve been considering riding but haven’t quite yet taken the plunge. It's also a fundraiser with proceeds from the event will be donated to Rethink Breast Cancer.

Hosted by Harley-Davidson Canada, the event takes place at Toronto’s Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex on Tuesday 6 May from 6:30-12:am.

There will be activities (interested in visiting the on-site spa?), hourly prizes, entertainment, explore Harley-Davidson's line of motorcycles, and motor clothes plus Karen Davidson the great grand-daughter of Harley-Davidson's co founder will be attending the event, get to meet her in person!

Full event details here. Tickets on sale now and availability is limited.

Gentlemen - get some MotoGP races and UFC lined up on the TIVO and put some beverages on ice cause this event is for ladies only!

Triumph is celebrating 107 years of Triumph motorcycles by way of an "Anniversary Days - Open House." It's set to take place between April 28th and May 2, 2009.

Not only are Triumph celebrating 107 years; it's the 50th year of the Bonneville, the 60th year of the Thunderbird, and the 15th year of the original Speed Triple.

Stop in at participating dealerships on Saturday - May 2, 2009 for an "Anniversary Days" reception where all are welcome.

Each location will organize its own schedule of events so you can expect to meet some great people and see some amazing Triumph Motorcycles.

The list of participating Canadian dealerships includes:

- Blackfoot Motorcyle - Calgary, AB
- Echo Cycle - Edmonton, AB
- British Italian Motorcycles - Vancouver, BC
- C&S Motorcyles - Sidney, BC
- Southwest Motorrad - Kelowna, BC
- Western Powersports - Langley, BC
- GP Bikes - Ajax, ON
- Inglis Cycle Center - London, ON
- J&R Cycle - Stayner, ON
- Ottawa Goodtime Center - Ottawa, ON
- Rev Cycles - Toronto, ON
- Sturgess Cycle - Hamilton, ON
- Monette Sports - Laval, QC
- Moto Montreal Cycle - Montreal, QC
- European Motorrad - Saskatoon, SK

* Image courtesy Triumph Canada.

Whitby. BMW Motorrad Canada is pleased to announce the sixth annual edition of the BMW “For Women Only!” test ride event schedule.

Since 2004, the BMW “For Women Only!” Test Ride Event has offered female motorcycle riders the opportunity to test ride a full range of current BMW models in a relaxed and controlled environment.

Administered and hosted by seasoned female motorcycle enthusiasts in affiliation with BMW Motorrad Canada, the events are offered in three major Canadian cities:

Vancouver- Saturday, April 25
Toronto - Saturday, May 16
Montreal - Saturday, June 20

The first two BMW “For Women Only!” ride events conveniently “bookend” the 3rd Annual International Female Ride Day staged on Friday, May 1, mutually supporting and promoting the ever-growing sorority of female motorcycle enthusiasts.

International Female Ride Day is the inspiration of Vicki Gray, founder of MOTORESS, an international website developed to encourage and support women in motorcycling worldwide. Vicki works tirelessly to “Connect women with motorcycling” and the International Female Ride Day has spawned numerous female-only motorcycling events focused on the annual May 1event.

BMW Motorrad Canada is a strong supporter of female motorcycling in Canada and a regular sponsor of MOTORESS since its inception.

More information on the BMW “For Women Only!” Ride Events and a link to MOTORESS, please go to www.bmw-motorrad.ca.

If you're looking to insure your motorcycle it pays to shop around. If you live in Ontario it looks like Dejardins General Insurance has made it easier for you to get a quote. They have new and improved online insurance quoters. Here's the full news brief.

* Update - A call to Dejardins indicates that they only offer motorcycle insurance in Ontario.

The big Ducati truck filled with the latest 2009 season motorcycles from Italy is going to be making it's way across Canada. It'll be making fourteen stops along the way so that you can demo their machines.

The tour also supports a charity too so you pay a small fee to ride and the money goes to charity. I believe it was $20 a ride last year and the ride lasted about an hour.

Toronto, ON (15 April 2009) - Ducati North America is pleased to announce the 2009 Ducati Canada National Demo Tour, an opportunity to sample the 2009 model lineup while supporting the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The annual event begins April 25th in Vancouver, BC and has stops at authorized Ducati dealers across Canada, concluding June 19th in Dieppe, NB. The demo tour offers a unique opportunity to sample Ducati’s most popular models in a fun riding environment, and meet with both Ducati and dealer staff to learn more about the Italian manufacturer’s handmade motorcycles.

For 2009 the Ducati demo tour will be teaming up with Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; requesting a voluntary $10.00 donation collected from participating riders. Last year Ducati demo riders contributed over $4000 to the foundation, and had a great time doing it. Ducati North America hopes to raise even more in 2009 to help this worthy charity.

For more information about the 2009 Canadian demo tour, as well as details regarding safety requirements and the models available, please visit www.ducatiusa.com.

The Ducati lineup on tour will include:

Monster 696
Monster 1100 and 1100 S
Multistrada 1100 S
Sport 1000
GT 1000
848 Superbike
1198 Superbike*
Hypermotard
Hypermotard S

*Model available to pre-qualified riders only

2009 Tour dates are as follows;

Saturday, April 25th, John Valk Motorsports, Vancouver, BC
Sunday, April 26th, Richmond Motorsports, Richmond, BC
Tuesday, April 28th, Southwest Ducati, Kelowna, BC
Saturday, May 2nd, Revoluzione Cycle Imports, Calgary, AB
Tuesday, May 5th, Argyll Motorsports, Edmonton, AB
Thursday, May 7th, Thunder City, Regina, SK
Thursday May 9th, Wildwood Sports, Winnipeg, MB
Monday May 18th, GP Bikes, Ajax, ON
Thursday May 28th, Inglis Cycles, London, ON
Saturday May 30th, Peninsula Import Motors, Oakville, ON
Tuesday June 2nd, Rev Cycles, Toronto, ON
Tuesday June 9th, Monette Sports, Laval, QC
Tuesday June 16th, Le Centre de la Moto Vanier, Inc, Quebec City, QC
Friday June 19th, Atlantic Motoplex, Dieppe, NB

We got an email from the fine folks at Zero Motorcycles to remind us about the big debut Zero motorcycles will be making at the 3rd Annual Toronto Green Living Show at the Direct Energy Centre this April 24-26th.

The big news is that they'll be offering customer demo's! This could be your first chance to test out an electric motorcycle from Zero!

Consumers and media will be taking part in this event where last year over 600 people test drove hybrid cards from leading manufacturers. This year Zero Motorcycles will be making their debut at this prestigious event that has attracted the likes of Bill Clinton, Al Gore, David Suzuki and Ed Begley Jr in recent years. Zero Motorcycles is the world leader in high performance electric motorcycles. Think outside the cylinder, think Zero 'electric' Motorcycles.

- More details about the event can be found on the Green Living Online website here.
- More details about Zero motorcycles can be found at Zero Motorcycles' website here.

Steve Corke, a motorcyclist from Toronto had a idea... he wanted to ride to Key West to meet up with his girlfriend. A long ride yes, but perfectly doable. It was Valentine's day and -8 celsius when he left Toronto on his Suzuki, V-Strom though. Yup, that makes it a little more interesting!

He documented the trip and now you can download it for free via his website.

Here's a few words from Steve explaining the trip:

Key West Clutch is a documentary movie about a winter motorbike ride from Toronto, Canada to the southern most point of the USA; Key West, Florida. The goal was to ride from the bitter cold of Canada to the tropical climate of the Florida Keys to meet my girlfriend (who took a flight down) and obviously get a tan in my speedo. To Key West was 2,871 km one way and it was minus 8 degrees celcius when I left...

Image courtesy KeyWestClutch.com

The Humber College Motorcycle / Scooter Training Program in Toronto has acquired a fleet of 18 KYMCO Super 9 AC scooters for their scooter training program. Humber College, one of the largest motorcycle rider training schools in the world, will now be listed as KYMCO’s preferred training centre in the Greater Toronto Area.

The scooter training program is designed to teach students the necessary skills required to feel comfortable and confident while riding. Humber College and KYMCO continuously emphasize the importance of protective gear, safety, and proper riding skills, and recommend that all riders invest in the Humber rider training program. As an added incentive, KYMCO’s corporate store in the GTA (Studio Cycle Group Inc.) is offering a $100 discount to any Humber College student or Humber College training school graduate that decides to purchase a KYMCO.

For more information about the Humber College Motorcycle / Scooter Training Institute, please visit
http://www.motorcycle.humber.ca/.

For more information about KYMCO in Canada or Super 9 AC scooters, please visit http://www.kymco.ca/onRoad_Super9AC.php.

This April 14th, 2009 the folks at Parker Brothers / KTM Toronto are having a no cost GPS Seminar in their new Toronto location.

The new, larger, location is at 825 Kipling Ave, which is a mile east of the old Dundas St. location. Come see the new facility, join in on a 2 hour long GPS seminar. Start time – 7pm

Displays of various motorcycle friendly GPSs and mounting options, brought to you by GPSCentral.ca

This year’s seminar will have a completely new presentation, and group discussions all focusing on the available options and applicability of GPSs.

Topics include:
- Introduction of GPS theory and how it all works
- How routes are created
- Motorcycle GPS model comparisons
- Mounting systems
- Available programs and loading issues
- SPOT transmitters and how they can work for you.

Call or e-mail Parker Brothers to register
Cost: $0 Brought to you by ParkerBrothers/KTM Toronto

Parker Brothers/ KTM Toronto
Current location:
5324 Dundas Street West
Etobicoke, ON M9B 1B4
(416) 234-5750

Press Release KYMCO -

KYMCO Canada’s newly opened corporate store, Studio Cycle Group Inc., recently won the Spring 2009 Business Innovation Award for best new business in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. The award was issued and presented by Cheri DiNovo, MPP for Parkdale – High Park, at an award dinner on Tuesday, March 24th 2009.

Studio Cycle Group Inc. is the authorized Toronto area KYMCO dealer and carries the full line of scooters, motorcycles and ATVs. The building is located in the heart of the Junction and underwent eight months of renovations last year prior to opening its doors.

The concept was to launch an upscale, urban retail store for KYMCO’s modern product line up that complemented the local neighbourhood. The Junction is quickly becoming one of Toronto’s trendiest areas, attracting artists and entrepreneurs alike, while maintaining a warm and welcoming community atmosphere. We are proud to be a part of the Junction, its storied history, and it’s promising future.

Visit the store at 2923 Dundas Street W (just west of Keele St), or call 416-766-5300 for more information.

The website isn't fully completed as of this writing but it looks like it'll be here once it is.

We just received the schedule for the Rally Connex 2009 Adventure Tours Rides so here's all the details - straight from Rally Connex:

This warm weather is getting everyone anxious to ride.

We are pleased to announce our 2009 ride schedule; it looks to be a fantastic season with some brand new events to keep you guys chomping at the bit for more.

Schedule:
June 4-7th, 2009 - R.A.P. aRound Algonquin Park, Ontario
July 12th, 2009 - Blue Mountain Tour - Angus Ontario
Aug 22-23rd, 2009 - Rockbound Rally, Central Northeast Ontario
Oct 3-4th, 2009 - Corduroy Enduro Dualsport Ride - Haliburton Ontario

RallyConnex operates its’ tours mainly in southern Ontario, Canada. Every ride is different from the last one and the start locations, for the most part, are different too. This allows everyone to expand their horizons, and visit areas that they may not normally visit. A typical day can range from 200 to 300 kms in length, depending on the difficulty of the given terrain. There are single and multi-day tours, plus off-road training days to choose from. The line-up of events is different every year.

All RallyConnex tours are GPS navigated. This, however, does not make it mandatory that you must have a GPS. We do have a few rental units available so that you can try it out. Please let us know a month in advance, if you wish to reserve a gps. Otherwise it is first come first serve, and they always sell out. Alternatively, you can buddy up with someone who does have a GPS.

Most rides have routes specifically designed for aggressive tire bikes and also offer routes for those who have stock (less aggressive) tires. We've got your type of riding covered no matter what Adventure bike you ride! Please let us know if you are not comfortable in loose conditions and we’ll send you on a harder packed version of the route.

All routes are "proof" ridden many times in advance of the ride dates, in order to assure their ride-ability due to changing conditions. During each event, a set of "sweep" riders will follow each route, both aggressive and stock tire. Each 'sweep' rider carries a SPOT transmitters and a SAT phone if regular cell phone reception is questionable, they are available to provide assistance if required. A chase vehicle, carrying tools, bike transport, SPOT transmitters and SAT phones, will also patrol near the route, and can also be called upon for assistance.

Details for the GPS Seminar are below. We will be sending out other emails with the details for our future rides. Check out our website at www.rallyconnex.com for more information and to register.

April 14th, 2009 – GPS Seminar – Toronto

Location – Parker Brothers / KTM Toronto – * new location *

The new, larger, location is at 825 Kipling Ave, which is a mile east of the old Dundas St. location.

Come see the new facility, join in on a 2 hour long GPS seminar. Start time – 7pm

Displays of various motorcycle friendly GPSs and mounting options, brought to you by GPSCentral.ca

This year’s seminar will have a completely new presentation, and group discussions all focusing on the available options and applicability of GPSs.

Parker Brothers/ KTM Toronto
Current location:
5324 Dundas Street West
Etobicoke, ON M9B 1B4
(416) 234-5750

Parker Brothers/ KTM Toronto
New location:
825 Kipling Ave
Etobicoke,
Same phone numbers

We just got word from the folks at C.A.V that they're going to be holding a motorcycle show at Thompson Drill Hall, CFB Kingston, Ontario on May 3rd and 4th.

The show is a fundraiser for ICROSS, H'art School of Smiles, Fisher House, and MP Blind Fund

Here's a few more details about the show - for full details check out the C.A.V website here.

Event: 1st CAV Motorcycle Show
Location: Thompson Drill Hall CFB Kingston.

The Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show opens this Saturday (April 4th) at the International Centre. The show runs Saturday 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.

You'll get to see plenty of bikes (new and old) and motorcycle accessories. The show also features the Canadian introduction of Zero Motorcycles, Canadian drag racing champion Geoff Pollard and his monstrous 1,500 hp nitro-methane burning Pollard NitroSports 'Top Fuel' Dragbike. Get up close and personal with the limited edition Troy Bayliss Ducati 1098R that packs 188 hp - only 150 of these will make it to North America.

Canadian writers Max Burns and Michelle Duff will be there, as well as graffiti artist WonG, and long-distance rider Tyson Brust.

You'll get to see a leather fashion show, bikini calendar girl Sara Balint, and if you're a bike builder - there's $15,000 in prize money up for grabs.

Admission is $15 for adults, children under 12 get in for $5, children under 6 get in for free. Get $2 off an Adult admission by printing the coupon on this link.

A big congratulations to all the Canadian Motorcyle Rider contest winners who'll be going to the show for free this weekend!

Looks like it'll soon be time to dust off the scooter that's been gathering dust over the cold winter months in the back in the corner of the garage. Because CMG and sponsor KYMCO are getting ready for the Mad Bastard Scooter Rally which takes place June 12-14th.

Press release from KYMCO Canada follows:

In a little over 2 months, approximately 75 normally respectable people (and journalists) will turn into scooter maniacs for up to 24 hours while they ride a mad 850kms on, you guessed it: scooters!

The long awaited details of the 2009 Mad Bastard Scooter Rally (presented by CMG Online in partnership with KYMCO Canada) have finally been released on the newly designed MBS Rally web site www.madbastardrally.com.

The Details
Here are some of the basics: the event takes place June 12-14, 2009 and the start location will be in Gatineau, QC this year (with the rally leading riders through both Quebec and Ontario).

The Sponsors
For those who haven’t been following previous rally details, KYMCO Canada is the official sponsor of the event offering up the winning Super 9 to the maddest of the mad bastards! We would also like to acknowledge Ipone Oil and Studio Cycle Group who have come on board to sponsor the event as well.

The Charity
For this year’s rally we have embraced the idea of having a charity benefit from our insanity. Kids Help Phone is a nation wide organization that has been helping Canadian children for over 20 years. Participants of the rally will be asked to collect pledges prior to the rally date with all proceeds going Kids Help Phone. For more information on this fantastic charity please visit
www.kidshelpphone.ca.

We've got two tickets left to the Toronto International Spring Motorcycle (April 4-5, 2009) and we're giving one of them away today!

Be the 10th emailer with the correct answer to the following question and you'll be going to the show for free!

What's happening at Mackie Harley Davidson on May 9th?

Hint- click on the Mackie-Harley Davidson link on CanadianMotorcycleRider (in the left sidebar). The answer as to what's happening is in the Calendar of Events in the right sidebar of the Mackie HD's site. It's an event you won't want to miss!

Please direct your emails here.

For those that don't know about Bill 117, it is a private members bill that aims to amend Ontario's Highway Traffic Act to ban anyone younger than 14 from riding on a motorcycle, and to prohibit anyone from operating a motorcycle with an underage passenger aboard. It's being pushed by Oak Ridges/Markham MPP Helena Jaczek.

Just in case you were wondering where this stands, in short, it's still a going concern. On December 4th, 2008 it was Ordered referred to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy according to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario website. That's the latest status according to the site.

A few more details:

Jaczek, who is also an MD, relies heavily on information supplied an Ontario-based non-profit organization called SmartRisk that's "dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives." According to SmartRisk, some 199 motorcycle passengers under the age of 15 sustained injuries in the years 1995-2005, and 46 under-15 riders were hospitalized due to motorcycle-related injuries in the fiscal year 2005-2006. "The research," Jaczek has said, "is alarming."

Lot's of industry insiders are weighing in on the bill. "The problem with SmartRisk's data and Ms. Jaczek's assertions," explains Peter Jacobs, president of the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada, "is that the statistics and emergency room numbers for injured motorcyclists comes from all kinds of scenarios, especially off-road riding mishaps involving motocross riders and dirt bikes.

"Despite what she believes, there is not an epidemic of widespread accidents involving children falling off bikes on the streets and highways that warrants this bill, and many riders feel it could set a precedent for more legislation regarding motorcycles.

"Pretty much the entire motorcycle community is concerned about Bill 117 because it could potentially affect everyone who owns a motorcycle and has children."

Canadian Motorcycle Rider is giving away a ticket today, March 31th/09, in our ticket a day giveaway. It's your easiest way to get a free ticket to the Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show taking place in Toronto this April 4-5.

In order to win the ticket - be the 10th emailer with the answer to the following question:

What was the date that Canadian Motorcycle Rider published a review of the Ducati Monster S4RS?

Hint - There's a link to the article in the Ducati Streetifghter News item on the front page. Follow the link, and the date of publication is at the top.

Direct your emails here.

Good luck!

We've just updated the Motorcycle Events calendar (best viewed with any browser other than Safari) with the dates for all the Ride for Sight events listed across Canada. We thought we'd post the schedule for you here too and provide a little information about this worthwhile event:

Mackie Harley-Davidson, one of the largest Harley-Davidson dealerships in the GTA area, is having a big bash for all the ladies on March 26th, 2009. Looks like it's going to be a very fun and informative event.

Not only will you get all kinds of helpful information but there's going to be a riding gear prize package valued at $625.00 given away that night! Plus you'll be entered into a national draw with thousands of dollars worth of prizes.

Mark your calendars - more details follow:

Press Release:

Oshawa, Ontario March 20, 2009 – Mackie Harley-Davidson® will be hosting an event exclusive to women on their premises at 880 Champlain Avenue on Thursday, March 26th, 6-9pm. Harley-Davidson® understands and respects the different approach that it takes for women to begin to realize their passion for motorcycles.

Garage PartiesTM offer an opportunity for present and future female riders to learn more about motorcycling activities as well providing guidance on how to obtain a motorcycle license. It also offers guests the chance to experience new lines of merchandise that are specifically tailored to female riders needs. Best of all, it is a social event which allows women to relax and mingle with like-minded people.

In honour of Harley-Davidson® “Women Riders Month” in May, this event will feature interactive riding and safety related sessions, such as how to pick up a motorcycle, how to strap down your bike for transportation, helmet safety, riding gear demonstrations as well as information on new rider training and licensing. Guests will be able to enjoy special presentations, refreshments and snacks, door prizes, temporary tattoos and other surprises in a fun, informative and informal atmosphere. At the March 26th Garage Party, one lucky woman will take home a riding gear prize package valued at approximately $625.00.

On top of that, the ladies will be able to enter a national contest allowing them a chance to win a grand prize of an exclusive getaway package with three of their closest girlfriends, including accommodation in Toronto at The Suites at 1 King West, a luxurious day at the spa, a $2,000 shopping spree at an authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer, and VIP access to Precious Metal – the most decadent Garage Party™ of the year – held on May 6 in Toronto. Other prizes include weekly prizes such as $100 gift cards to be redeemed at Mackie Harley- Davidson®.

Mackie Harley-Davidson® is Durham region’s premier Harley-Davidson® motorcycle dealer, located off highway 401 and Thickson Road at the Whitby/Oshawa border.

For all the Ural owners and prospective owners - we've gathered up a listing of the Canadian and US Ural retailers in Canada and the US. The list was published by Ural so should be current as of March 18th/2009.

It's a handy refernce if you've got a Ural and plan to do some adventure traveling - as Ural owners are prone to do. Click on the pictures for a larger version.

Here's the Canadian list - in no particular order:



Here's the US list - in no particular order:

The little town of Shedden Ontario, previously most famous for being the "Rhubarb Capitol of Ontario," was the scene of a grisly discovery on April 8, 2006. Eight bodies were found in four vehicles abandoned on a farmer's property. The Rhubarb Capitol quickly gained notoriety as the site of Ontario's largest gangland murder.

The eight victims were all connected to the Toronto chapter of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club, the second-largest outlaw biker club in the world.

The victims, whose Bandidos chapter was nicknamed the "No Surrender Crew," were George (Pony) Jessome, 52, George (Crash) Kriarakis, 28, Luis Manny (Chopper, Porkchop) Raposo, 41, Frank (Bam Bam, Bammer) Salerno, 43, and Michael (Little Mikey) Trotta, 31, all of the Greater Toronto Area; Paul (Big Paul) Sinopoli, 30, of Sutton; Jamie (Goldberg) Flanz, 37, of Keswick; and John (Boxer) Muscedere, 48, of Chatham.

On Monday, jury selection is to begin at a London superior court for the trial of six men accused in the killings, which was the biggest mass slaying in modern Ontario history.

The six accused were arrested more than two years ago and are each charged with eight counts of first-degree murder.

Charged are Wayne Kellestine, 59, and Frank Mather, 35, both of Dutton-Dunwich, Ont., Brett Gardiner, 24, of no fixed address, Michael Sandham, 39, Marcelo Aravena, 32, and Dwight Mushey, 40, all of Winnipeg.

The trial is expected to last six months.

Ontario region insurance broker, Allen Insurance Group, is giving away a 2009 Honda VT750C to help promote their line of motorcycle insurance, known as "Ride On."

The policy was developed just over a year ago and Allen Insurance claim it's tailored to cover virtually every type of rider and every type of bike to ensure the best coverage for every client.

If you're an Ontario resident and looking for a new insurance company for the upcoming riding season, or checking out their rates it might be worth checking out!

Here's the link to the contest site.

Press Release Details:

Allen Insurance Group invites people to 'Get Your Ride On' by entering to win a Honda motorcycle online at www.getyourrideon.ca , where riders can also obtain online quotes. Running Feb. 2 to April 30, people are able to complete and submit the easy online entry form to win. The contest is open to all Ontario residents over the age of 18, and no purchase is necessary. Clarington Honda, a new Honda Concept Super Store located just off the 401 in Bowmanville, has partnered with Allen Insurance Group for the promotion.

Allen Insurance Group is a family-owned and operated insurance brokerage that has been serving the insurance and financial needs of central Ontario for more than 100 years. Allen Insurance Group operates six branch locations, in Havelock, Trenton, Brighton, Cobourg, Campbellford and Warkworth.

There's still a few weeks of winter left here on the East Coast of Canada. I know because I can barely see over the snow I've shoveled out of my driveway!

Having said that, it's certainly never too early to start planning for spring! Spring means motorcycles and the Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show is going to help you start the season off right!

Mark your calendars and set aside April 4th and 5th. Or just keep an eye on our Calendar page. We might even have another 'Ticket Giveaway Contest' for this event too so all readers who'll be in Toronto during those dates - Stay Tuned!

Now here's the Press Release for more information:

Spring means one thing to motorcyclists – taking the bike out of storage and getting ready to hit the road. Whether it’s for commuting, weekend rides or plans for that big road trip there’s a sense of purpose for riders once the snow melts. The Spring Show, presented by Mantha Insurance and taking place April 4 & 5 at the International Centre, is timed perfectly to provide a one-stop shopping opportunity for all motorcyclists.

New 2009 model motorcycles on display include touring and cruising bikes, street bikes, offroad bikes, scooters and there will also be great deals on non-current models. The giant Used Bike Clearance Sale is a hot spot for anyone shopping for a bike, with a vast array of all makes & models.

For new riders, the Show offers information on Rider Training, licensing and Insurance, plus vendors will offer advice on starter bikes and proper riding gear. With over 30 motorcycle clubs exhibiting, there’s a riding club for every type of rider to join and charity rides to add to the riding calendar.

Showgoers can check out features such as the Fashion Shows by On the Fringe, and the Spring Used Bike Market. With 4 huge Accessory Superstores, Toronto area Dealer displays, independent retailers, used parts vendors, and more, the Spring Show’s vendors promise an unequalled assortment of products for all riders.

Noted motorcycle author and Journalist, Max Burns, will be a featured guest as well as author Michelle Duff, to sell and talk about their latest books with fellow motorcyclists.

The Canadian Motorcycle Heritage Museum will feature a display of significant bikes from the SUPERSHOW Collection, alongside the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada. Over 30 clubs & associations display bikes and promote their 2008 rallies, charity rides and events, and membership drives at the same time as they share their passion for riding with the attending public.

The Showbike Builders Competition will see top customs competing for over $15,000 in cash. From vintage and touring bikes, to street bikes and wild customs there are over 30 classes in the competition. Expected are some wild creations from some of Canada’s top builders and shops vying for the top prize.

This year’s Door Prize is a new Suzuki DR-Z125 motorcycle provided by Suzuki of Newmarket, to be drawn on stage, Sunday, April 5th at the Show. Admission to the Spring Motorcycle Show includes a complimentary copy of International Motorcycle Magazine and a half price admission coupon to the Classic Car Auction, happening next door in Hall 3.

The Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show runs Saturday, April 4th from 10am to 9pm, and Sunday, April 5th from 10am to 5pm. The International Centre is located at 6900 Airport Road. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for youths under 12, free for children under 6, and parking is free.

Press Release:

The North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Inc. (SUPERSHOW) is pleased to announce the acquisition of 50% of its corporate shares by Richard Kehoe Productions Ltd. The Motorcycle SUPERSHOW 2010, held at the International Centre in Toronto, January 8, 9, 10, 2010, and now in its 33rd year, will be jointly produced by Bar Hodgson Productions Ltd. (BHP) and Richard Kehoe Productions Ltd. (RKP).

All aspects of the SUPERSHOW's production remain the same utilizing the SUPERSHOW's long-standing on-site staff, while the addition of RKP's staff will expand the current sales, production and promotional team.

Richard Kehoe, President of RKP, stated, "We're very pleased to have the opportunity to assume an ownership position in North America's largest motorcycle Show. Our goal is to deliver positive changes into future SUPERSHOWS and we look forward to the challenge."

Bar Hodgson, President of BHP, stated, "the addition of RKP's staff will provide some very exciting opportunities for future SUPERSHOWS. With expanded sales and production staff we will be able to provide increased attention to the needs of the SUPERSHOW's exhibitors while delivering additional Show content for the Show attendees."

This share acquisition reinforces the alliance between Bar Hodgson Productions and Richard Kehoe Productions to create the largest powersports media group in Canada whose holdings include the largest motorcycle and snowmobile shows in North America in addition to motorcycle, motocross, ATV & snowmobile magazines.

The 2009 Edition of the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW was an overwhelming success, delivering over 50,000 motorcycle consumers to exhibitors who reported very strong motorcycle and accessory sales.

Details are courtesty of Rally Connex

May 9 – Training Day – Cobourg

The morning will be spent with brief GPS training, bike set-up and riding technique sessions. You will then follow a GPS route to the off road training center and rotate through several technical training sessions in small groups. Contrary to previous years, a greater emphasis will be placed on skills training. Lunch will again be provided. Afternoon sessions concentrate on off-road riding technique training and practice, before returning to the start via another GPS route. All sizes of bikes are welcome. This event is the perfect way to shake out the cobwebs from a long winter, and learn some new techniques.

Spring Training Day

Training day is held the day before Mother’s Day. In honour of our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts and friends, this event will be a fundraiser for the 2009 Weekend to End Breast Cancer. Riders from previous years will know that this is the fourth year that Lynda Burnett and her sister Laura Murray will walk in the 60 km event. Proceeds will be donated to team T.W.I.N.S. (Transforming Walking Into New Strength). There will be pink ribbon merchandise available for sale for Mother’s Day gifts, and Gatorade and Power Bars will also be for sale.

June 4-7 - R.A.P. Round Algonquin Park.

Four days of riding start in Minden and proceed around Algonquin Park. Each day ends at a different motel and your equipment will meet you there. The proven route (downloaded in it’s entirety to your GPS prior to the start) is well timed allowing you to have time each night to relax, have a beverage and chat about your ride with the other participants. Due to the size of the ride and the planned accommodations, registration is limited. Register early to avoid disappointment. Support riders within the group and the support truck are never far away if needed. The ride is best for bikes up to 700cc.

June ?? – Jim Kelly Memorial Trail Ride – North of Barrie

Halton Off Road Riders club - see www.horra.ca – Part of the OFTR Trail ride series. Proceeds go to the ISDE Gold fund.

July 12 – Blue Mountain Tour

This GPS Dualsport Tour consists of a long loop, which starts in Orangeville and goes to Collingwood (Blue Mountain) and back.

There will be a lunch stop midway through the ride. The ride is comprised of a mix of gravel, road allowances, and 2 track all day.

The route is not the same route as last year, and has more technical sections than before.

The length of the route is approximately 300km.

Aug 22-23 – Rock Hound Rally

This rally is a 12hour 500km Rally in the Kawartha and Madawaska highlands. Registrants can come up and stay Friday night. The rally begins Saturday, lasts all day, and returns to the same hotel late that evening, with ample time to compare stories all night. On Sunday morning there will be another short timed stage, before returning for the awards presentation in the afternoon, leaving lots of time before heading home. Teams of 3 complete a large loop route throughout the day, covering areas stretching well up into Haliburton and over to Calabogie. There will be timed stages and free areas along the route. The timed stages will have open and closing times. The free areas will consist of gravel areas and 2 track and will leave time for minor repairs, picture taking and relaxing. The timed stages contain the technical areas and are all business. Points will be based on the ability to maintain the appropriate speed averages during each timed stage. This event is ideal for 450cc through 990cc aggressive dualsport bikes. Details to follow.

Sept 26 – 27 - Corduroy Enduro Dualsport

Join in with the crowds at the infamous Corduroy Enduro. The Dualsport tour will take you along trails and back roads to bring you to some of the best spectator points along the enduro route. 2 days of riding and cheering, in the Haliburton highlands will be yours to enjoy. You have the choice to camp on-site or stay at local motels. As usual, this event is fully supported with sweep riders and support truck. This dual sport ride is suitable for bikes 650cc and less, although aggressive 950cc riders can make it through. See www.corduroyenduro.ca

Update: See the comments below - Helena Jaczek has sent email responses after the publishing of this "reported" information which seem to indicate that Bill 117 is NOT dead.
__________

We've received news that Bill 117 has been squashed. Reports are that the folks at Motorcycle Mojo have been contacted by Federal Member of Parliament, David Sweet MP with the news. We haven't seen anything official posted yet though so keep signing petitions if you're so inclined.

It was indicated that he has had discussions with a Government Member of the Ontario Provincial Legislature and was advised that Bill 117 is dead following the prorogation of the last session at Queens Park.

Bill 117 would have banned motorcycle passengers under 14 years old in Ontario. There has been a huge outcry from motorcyclists against this Bill with numerous petitions and campaigns against it.

It would appear that if this is true that all the efforts have been successful!

Cycle City in Burlington, Ontario will be having a a liquidation/bankruptcy sale this coming Friday, Dec. 19th and Saturday, Dec. 20th from 10 am till 4 pm.

According to Matt, they're clearing out everything; motorcycle, parts and accessories, even the desks and fixtures.

The dealership has been around since 1976. Their closing is a sad sign of the economic times.

Help them out by checking out the sale this weekend. You might pick up a good deal in the process.

It's never too early to start planning your summer vacation! Here's a good reason to take a little time off in July - or maybe just go for the weekend.

BMW is going to be holding their annual Summerfest at Mosport International Raceway this summer from July 17th – 19th 2009. It's sure to draw motorcyclists from far and wide.

There will be a big party on Saturday evening featuring live music by a selection of Canadian talent. They'll also have some great off-road and on-road demo rides and all the pavement lovers will get some action too. Some race action that is, there will be some Superbike, Pro 600 Sport Bike, and the Canadian Thunder Series at the track.

On-site camping will be available, you can bring along the RV, or stay off-site at various B&B and hotel accommodations.

BMW will have what they refer to as the "BMW Marketplace" on site as well, offering product demos, service specials, parts and accessories, and branded apparel.

Keep an eye on the Summerfest website for more info. Mark your calendars or just keep an eye on our Events Calendar page.

The 2009 Part Canada Superbike Championship Schedule is up. 7 events are listed for this season, which will be the 30th season for superbike racing in Canada.



Here's the details:

Date: April 28-29
Event: Pirelli Tire Test
Venue: JenningsGP – Jennings, Florida

Date: May 21-24
Event: Round 1
Venue: Calabogie Motorsports Park – Calabogie, ON

Date: June 11-14
Event Round 2
Venue: Mirabel ICAR Circuit – Montreal, QC

Date: June 25-28
Event: Round 3
Venue: Race City Motorsport Park – Calgary, AB

Date: July 16-19
Event: Rounds 4 & 5
Venue: Mosport International Raceway – Mosport, ON

Date: August 6-9
Event: Round 6
Venue: Atlantic Motorsport Park – Shubenacadie, NS

Date: September 3-6
Event: Round 7
Venue: Shannonville Motorsport Park, Pro Track – Shannonville, ON

For additional information on the Parts Canada Superbike Championship head on over to there website here. It's packed full of information.

We're giving away the fifth of ten tickets we've got to the North American International Motorcycle Supershow, taking place in Toronto this Jan 2-4th.



Here's how to get your free ticket today. Be the 10th person (one entry per person) to email canadianmotorcyclerider@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following question:

According to the site sitemap; what is the most recent article written on Canadian Motorcycle Rider?

Hint - click the Site Map in the left sidebar navigation of Canadian Motorcycle Rider and the article listed at the top of the bulleted list is the most recent post.

The Toronto Motorcycle Show is coming up faster than a ZX-14 on the Autobahn!

Mark those calendars folks, this December 12 - 14, 2008 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre you're in for an up close look at the newest bikes, ATVs, gear and accessories from companies such as Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, BMW, Ducati, Buell, Victory, KTM, Vespa, BRP, Aprilia, MotoGuzzi, Ural, Hyosung and more.

More of what to expect:

There will be a riders marketplace where you can save lots of cash on a new 2008 boke or ATV from dealers loking to make room for the 09 models. Tons of motorcycle gear, aftermarket products, and motorcycle apparel can also be purchased at the show.

World renowned stunter Jason Britton will be on hand all weeekend too. He'll be signing autographs and talking with fans in the Parts Canada booth.

There's plenty more happening too. Check out the Sportshows website for more details. Note - A video with sound loads automatically when you open the site. So crank it or turn it WAY down depending on where you are!

When:
Friday, December 12th, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 13th, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 14th, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Where:
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South Building)
222 Bremner Boulevard

Details:

Adults: $15.00; Juniors: $9.00 (Ages 6 to 15)
Children (under six years): Free when accompanied by an adult
Family Pass: $35.00 (two adults & two juniors)

We're giving away the fourth of ten tickets we've got to the North American International Motorcyle Supershow, taking place in Toronto this Jan 2-4th.



Here's how to get your free ticket today. Be the 10th person to email canadianmotorcyclerider@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following question:

What's the first book listed in the Canadian Motorcycle Rider Bookstore?

Hint - click the Book Store link in the left sidebar navigation and you'll see you're answer. It's a classic.

Come back tomorrow too - we'll be giving away another ticket!

Cycle City in Burlington Ontario has made it official - they've declared bankruptcy. A note on their website states:

"THIS IS TO INFORM ALL CUSTOMERS THAT CYCLE CITY HAS DECLARED BANKRUPTCY"

The dealership had been a Yamaha and Suzuki dealership as well as some other products such as Eton and Velorex.

The store has a long history, having been around since 1976. Current owners Ira and Matt Ross purchased the dealership in December of 2005.

No further information on the cause is listed on their site.

We're giving away the third of ten tickets we've got to the North American International Motorcyle Supershow, taking place in Toronto this Jan 2-4th.



Here's how to get your free ticket today. Be the 10th person to email canadianmotorcyclerider@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following question:

How many exhibitors will be at the 2009 North American International Motorcycle Supershow and how many halls will there be?

Hint - You'll find the answer by clicking on the Supershow Banner ad on www.CanadianMotorcycleRider.ca then click the white logo for the 2009 Supershow. You'll see the answer there.

Details of the contest can be found here.

Ben Gulak, a now 19 yr old from Milton Ontario, Canada created a one wheeled, electric vehicle (that looks like a motorcycle) that he dubbed the Uno. The motorcycle, meets Segway, meets zero emissions vehicle has been creating quite a bit of media attention and interest. Popular Science magazine recently called it one the 10 ten inventions of the year. Call it whatever you want - it packs a lot of sophisticated technology into a cool package (it uses a modified Yamaha R1 frame).

Gulak recently appeared on the popular CBC TV show Dragons’ Den before a panel of five Canadian business people/investors to try to get an investment deal for his Uno creation. I'd say it was a success because he walked away from the experience with an investment of $1.25 million in exchange for 20 per cent of his company.

Why one wheel instead of two you may ask? Some comments from Gulak might give us a hint as to why: “Its design allows it to take less space on the road,” says Ben. “It lends itself to a more intuitive driving experience than the average motorcycle.”

To give the ride more stability, he put the wheels side-by-side just an inch apart and directly under the rider. There are no real controls other than an on and off switch reportedly. Rider controls are easy and intuitive. To move forward you simply lean your body weight forward to tilt the machine. To back up, just lean back to tilt it backwards and back it goes. The farther you lean, the faster it accelerates.

The Uno's gyroscope tells the ECU how much to accelerate and in a turn it delivers the proper amount of current to the electric motors, one for each wheel. When the rider leans into a turn, the inside wheel lifts and the outside wheel lowers, so both stay firmly on the ground.

Theoretical top speed is somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 mph but some work needs to be done on the software before those upper limits are explored.

The Motorcycle Confederation of Canada (MCC) has put together a page about Bill 117, which is a bill to amend the highway traffic act in Ontario. Ontario MPP Helena Jaczek wants to ban motorcycle passengers under age 14.

Here's the details of how you can have you say on this Bill and some interesting facts and articles written about the Bill. For the original article go to http://www.motorcycling.ca/issues/provissues/ontario/index.html There's a couple links to sample letters that aren't included here that you will find in the original.

Ontario Bill 117 - A Bill to Amend the Highway Traffic Act.
DO NOT DELAY! Take Action! Second Reading scheduled for early December.
What's the issue? Ontario MPP Helena Jaczek wants to ban motorcycle passengers under age 14, despite any evidence that this is a problem requiring such action. While no one can dispute rider safety, Road Safety reports and analysis suggest this is NOT as issue.

From the Canada Safety Council: " In terms of addressing risk and quoting from Mr. Raynald Marchand, General Manager of the Canada Safety Council, "Bill 117 is a solution looking for a problem." He continues, "I reviewed all seven Ontario Road Safety Annual Reports from 1999 to 2005. I did not find any fatalities for motorcycle passengers less than 14 years of age. I also looked at injuries for motorcycle passengers less than 16 years of age and compared them to bicycle passengers less than 16 years of age and car passengers less than 16 years of age over the same period (1999 to 2005). Ontario children were four times (4X) more likely to have been injured as passengers on bicycles and 262 times more likely to have been injured as passengers in passenger vehicles than to have been injured as passengers on motorcycles."

From Wheels editor Mark Richardson: "This issue might be seen as a tempest in a teapot, affecting a small proportion of the population, except it's indicative of the recommendations of well-meaning but misinformed citizens that get passed into law before anyone notices they're foolish."
...........................................................................................................................

Read what Toronto Star WHEELS editor Mark Richardson had to say.
Watch The CTV/CFTO news story.
See what MCC member Ontario Road Riders Association (ORRA) is doing.
See what MCC Member Ontario Federation of Trail Riders(OFTR) is doing.
Read a letter written by the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group (CVMG).
Read what CMG-Online is saying.
Read what riders on the GTA-motorcycles website are saying.
...........................................................................................................................

WRITE expressing your point of view, by email or snailmail or hand-delivered to: Your own MPP (you can find their address here)

MPP Helen Jaczek
Minster of Transportation Jim Bradley
Premier Dalton McQuinty
Use a sample letter as a start.

Here's a sample letter drafted by the industry association Motorcycle Moped Industry Council (MMIC).

Here's a sample letter from MCC Ontario Director Liz Jansen.

CONTACT AND ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN club/organization to go on the record. ACT NOW!

Canadians will finally have a bonafide Canadian Enduro Championship (CEC) in 2009 and beyond.

Details are:

A 4 event, 8 race series organized by World Enduro Canada (WEC) (see www.worldendurocanada.com)

Dates and locations in 2009 are:

July 4/5 Pincher Creek AB
July 11/12 Okanogan Valley BC

September 12/13 Quebec TBA
September 19/20 Parry Sound, Ontario

Dates and locations are subject to change at this early time

The competition format is based on the World Enduro Championship, 3 different (Cross, Extreme and Enduro) timed special tests and shorter loops of trails connecting the test. WEC purchased a computerized timing system that uses programmable transponders the system provides prompt, accurate results.

An important point is the event offers a pro purse. The value riders have to sponsors increased overnight, the plan is improve the marketability of Canadian
riders, give sponsors good return on their investment, stimulate the off-road motorcycle market, decide who the fastest off-road riders in Canada are in both Pro and Amateur classes, provide spectators entertainment and most of all give the competitors an overall positive experience.

Incentives will be in place for riders to travel to the four events which are scored separately each of the two days. Arrangements have been made for a motorcycle transportation package through sponsor Brian Kurtz Trucking, Guelph, On. For $700 a bike, gear bag, 2 spare tires or pop-tent will be transported to each of the 2 'Away' events and back. Motorycles will be delivered to each event site. Also any Canadian-based rider who crosses the Manitoba/Ontario border and competes in the entire series gets a free entry to the 'away' events. Entry fees are set at $100 per event, each competitor must purchase or rent a transponder for $40 and join the MCC.

The motto of the CEC is "The Fastest Rider Wins".

Because the format of the competition aligns with what happens in most of the world WEC expects Canadian riders to become more competitive in international events in the future.

For more information interested parties can their questions via e-mail to our website.

The 2009 Parry Sound Sportbike Rally has been approved to go ahead in 2009. The Parry Sound Motorcycle Association will be taking the reins this year to organize the event.

“We’re quite happy that it’s been accepted and now we can get going with the planning,” said PSMA president Brian Downing of Parry Sound town council’s decision to approve the association’s proposal at Tuesday night’s council meeting. “Now we’ve got it, now we have to make it work.”

The PSMA, a not-for-profit organization, submitted their proposal after event planner Lawrence Hacking, who'd run the event for the past several years, indicated he had other comittments this year.

The rally will receive free usage of Kinsmen Park as rally headquarters as well as $10,000 for advertising and another $1,800 in kind for additional support.

Some councillors expressed concern at what seemed to them to be a rather large advertising budget. However, director of economic development and leisure services Lynn Middaugh commented that she thought it was a suitable amount “given it’s a transition year.”

She said the town also plans to apply for funding from the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership to support that cost.

The 2009 Parry Sound Sportbike Rally will take place July 3-5, 2009.

We're seeing our fair share of questionable motorcycle laws here in Canada. Riders in Ontario for example have been in an uproar over recent stunting and speeding laws that seem overly punitive. Now Bill 117 aims to make it illegal to transport children under 14 on a motorcycle in Ontario.

Well, if you think we've got it bad, Police chiefs in the UK are trying to ban motorcycle altogether or at the very least limit their use and tightly control them.

They referred to motorcycles as ‘motorised toys’ which may not be ‘fit for purpose’ on public highways, the Association of Chief Police Officers told the Commons Transport Committee.

The comments were published in a report by the APCO committee on road safety.

The ACPO memo calls for the creation of no-motorcycle zones and a desire to put power caps on motorcycles. It states: ‘There is a need for radical thinking in respect of motorcycles, including consideration of engine capability and the creation of protection zones where all motorcycles other than those specifically permitted would be prohibited.’

The association also calls for motorcycles to be fitted with chips to allow police to identify them from a distance, and tougher penalties for illegal number plates. It says: ‘The detection of motorcycling offences is problematic, encouraging non-compliance. For this reason, stricter penalties should be introduced for non-compliant registration plates and further work should be done on the development of such products as number plates containing chips that will allow automated vehicle identification, even at high speeds.’

I wonder if they'll also do this with cars too? There's plenty of sports cars that are very capable of easily breaking speed limits as well.

Do you transport your under 14 year old on your motorcycle? You may not be able to in Ontario for much longer.

Bill 117, a Highway Traffic Act amendment to prohibit carrying kids under 14 years old on motorcycles passed first reading on October 28th in the Legislature. It will have to be read twice more before it is made into law. The amendment is the work of MPP Helena Jaczek (Oak Ridges-Markham).

Ontario is also seriously considering the idea of banning cell phones and other e-comm devices for drivers. The ban would not include hands-free devices, though the Ontario Medical Association says hands-free doesn't lower the risk of a crash when people talk on the phone while driving.

Newfoundland and Labrador banned hand-held phones for drivers five years ago. It's also illegal in Quebec and Nova Scotia.

Get ready for it folks! Mark your calendars - or use our calendar page to keep you up to date. There's a BIG bike show coming to Toronto, Ontario first thing in the new year. No, it's not that far off.

The North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, will be presented in Seven Halls of the Toronto International Centre, comprising over 425,000 square feet of motorcycle exhibits. An unparalleled motorcycle shopping extravaganza offering something for every interest including sport bikes, cruisers, motocross, off-road, vintage, touring and custom bikes, as well as scooters and ATV’s.

The SUPERSHOW brings together more than 500 exhibitors, 80 clubs & associations on display, top custom bikes competing for a $50,000 jackpot in the Canada Cup Championships, ‘A Century of Motorcycles’ vintage exhibit, plus the new 2009 motorcycles, riding gear, bike accessories, special guests, racers, seminars, contests, fashion shows, live bands and much more. It’s “Everything in Motorcycling”!

More information at www.supershowevents.com

Mackie Harley-Davidson in Oshawa, Ontario is going to be holding a "Ladies Night and Garage Party" on November 8th, 2008.

The event starts at 5:00 and runs to 9:00pm.

Location: Thickson Road & HWY 401, 880 Champlain Avenue, Oshawa, ON

Here's some basic details of what to expect at the event:

Do you ride or do you know a woman who has always dreamed of riding a motorcycle? You are invited to our Ladies Night & Garage Party event! Mackie Harley-Davidson is hosting a FREE event to introduce women to the fun of riding and give them \"inside information\" on how to enter the sport. Existing women riders will also find the event informative and fun.

More details can be found at Mackie's website here.

The Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council is gearing up for the annual motorcycle show circuit. There's going to be a big show in several Canadian Cities this year.

Here's the list of cities:

Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Quebec City, Moncton, and Montreal.

Details on the dates and times are listed below or visit the MMIC website for additional information:

2008 Toronto Motorcycle Show

December 12 - 14, 2008 (Friday to Sunday)
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
North Building, 255 Front St. West
Toronto, Ontario

Contact Information
Darryl Bond - Show Manager
bond@sportshows.ca

Tel: 905-361-5234
Toll-Free: 1-888-695-2677
Fax: 905-361-2679

2009 Calgary Motorcycle Show

January 9 - 11 (Friday to Sunday)
Roundup Centre, Stampede Park
Calgary, Alberta
Contact Information
Show Manager: Lauri Paetz
paetz@sportshows.ca

Tel: (403) 245-9008
Toll-Free: 1-866-704-4412
Fax: (403) 245-5100

2009 Edmonton Motorcycle Show

January 16 - 18 (Friday to Saturday)
Northlands Park - Agricom
Edmonton, Alberta

Contact Information
Show Manager: Lauri Paetz
paetz@sportshows.ca
Tel: (403) 245-9008
Toll-Free: 1-866-704-4412
Fax: (403) 245-5100

2009 Vancouver Motorcycle Show

January 22 - 25 (Thursday to Sunday)
Tradex Exhibition Centre
Abbotsford Airport, British Columbia

Contact Information
Show Manager: Nanette Jacques
njacques@shaw.ca
Tel: (604) 535-7584
Toll-Free: 1-800-663-8815
Fax: (604) 535-1463

2009 Quebec City Motorcycle Show

February 6 - 8 (Friday thru Sunday)
Centre de foires de Québec
Quebec City, Québec

Contact Information
Show Manager: Corinne Belmonte

Tel: (514) 285-2686 XT 2248
Fax: (514) 282-4292

2009 Atlantic Motorcycle Show

February 13 - 15 (Friday to Sunday)
Moncton Coliseum
Moncton, N.B.

Contact Information
Show Manager: Scott Sprague

Phone: (506) 658-0018
Toll Free: 1-888-454-7469
Fax: (506) 658-0750

2009 Montreal Motorcycle Show
February 20 - 22 (Friday to Sunday)
Montreal Convention Centre
Montreal, Quebec

Contact Information
Show Manager: Corinne Belmonte
Tel: (514) 285-2686 XT 2248
Fax: (514) 282-4292

The Toronto Motorcycle Show is going to be having a big show on December 12-14th. It's billed as the Canadian motorcycle and ATV industries’ premier motorcycle, scooter and ATV event. There will be an exciting line-up of features and entertainment at the 2008 event, including the Extreme Globe stunt show featuring teenaged stunt riders Cody and Kyle Ives.

Extreme motorcyclist, Hollywood stunt rider and host of “SuperBikes,” Jason Britton, will also be appearing at the show. The Toronto Motorcycle Show, one of seven Canadian motorcycle and ATV shows owned by the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council (MMIC) and Canadian Off-Highway Distributors Council (COHV), will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Friday, December 12th until Sunday, December 14th, 2008.

“There are hundreds of thousands of Canadians who have a passion for riding, and with rising gas prices and the growing issues of traffic congestion and carbon emissions, there are even more people discovering the benefits of owning cost-efficient, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly two wheel vehicles like motorcycles and scooters,” said Darryl Bond, Show Manager.

“The Toronto Motorcycle Show is the industry-sanctioned official launch event for the MMIC’s seven city road show where their members will introduce their hottest new rides for the coming year.”

Bond added, “We are going extreme this year – we will feature the Extreme Globe stunt show, featuring Cody and Kyle Ives. We are also excited to have the amazing stunt motorcyclist Jason Britton, who will be available to talk to fans and sign autographs. Fans, riders and families have more things to see, hear and sit on at the show this year.”

Where:

The Toronto Motorcycle Show
South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
222 Bremner Boulevard

What you'll see: Three times a day, Cody and Kyle Ives will showcase their amazing motorcycle riding skills and defying gravity in the Extreme Globe steel cage.

You'll also see the host of “SuperBikes” and Extreme Motorcyclist, Jason Britton. One of the most celebrated extreme stunt riders and Executive Director of 2Wheel Tuner Magazine, Jason Britton, will be available to talk to fans and sign autographs all weekend at the Parts Canada booth.

Yamaha Riding School for Kids: Yamaha Canada and Canadian Motorcycle Training Services present a free opportunity for kids aged 6 - 12 (certain conditions apply) to take a ride on the latest Yamaha TT-R off-road motorcycles.

Bikes and Birds: Mark Nash, Executive Director of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation (CPF), and his wife Marion, will present their crowd pleasing Bikes and Live Birds of Prey showcase featuring Falcons, Eagles, Owls and Hawks.

When:

Friday, December 12th, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 13th, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 14th, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Admission:

- Adults: $15.00
- Juniors (Ages 6 to 15): $9.00
- Children (under six years): Free when accompanied by an adult
- Family Pass (two adults & two juniors): $36.00

If you'd like additional information feel free to check out the show's website:

http://www.sportshows.ca/tms/index.html

The 55th running of the Corduroy Enduro is coming up this September 20, 21. If you're living in Ontario or anywhere nearby you may want to attend this popular event.

Organizers claim it's Canada's Premier 2 Day National Enduro, which draws amateur and professional enduro motorcycle riders from all over North America.

Rally Connex is signing people up for some guided tours and all inclusive weekend deals - with proceeds going to the Cord Enduro Fund.

Here's some additional details straight from Rally Connex:

*****

The riding season is far from over. As a matter of fact, we seem to have the place to ourselves. The summer tourists seem to have retreated back to the big city, leaving all the trails for us.

With this in mind, you should pack your bike and tent/trailer and head to the Corduroy Enduro Weekend up in Gooderham. It has always been an incredible two day enduro, but lately it has been turning into a two day celebration of off-road riding.

The Gooderham Community Center has a huge lot, which serves as the headquarters for all the festivities. Surrounding and supporting the enduro event, there are multiple tents with entertainment and room for feeding the riders and spectators. This is known as the "Corduroy Lounge" and is the place to be on Saturday evening.

When you pre-enter the all inclusive dualsport ride you will get the following:

- Spectator bus on Saturday
- Commemorative T-shirt
- Saturday Dinner
- Sunday breakfast
- Vintage bike display
- Beer tent
- Tenting and trailer parking on-site.
- Tire change contest and entertainment on Saturday evening
- Fully supported dualsport ride all day Sunday, which visits various spectator points along the enduro route.

All this for $100.

A portion of the proceeds are going to the Cord Enduro Fund, in order to ensure the future success of the Cord Enduro.

You do not need any kind of competition licence, CMA membership, to enter the dualsport ride. However we always recommend that you become a member of the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (not mandatory though).


The Corduroy Enduro website is www.corduroyenduro.ca

Info on the Saturday Trail Ride is found at http://www.oftr.ca/events.php?id=2341

The Dualsport Tour will take riders through some of the most scenic trails and backroads of the Haliburton Highlands. Enjoy the relaxed pace and lack of timekeeping pressure that the enduro competitors will be feeling. Spectate at various points along the enduro course and cheer on your favourite riders battling for the coveted Corduroy Log trophies, and the Canadian Enduro Championship.

This is a GPS guided route, so we will load your Garmin GPS during Saturday evening or during breakfast on Sunday morning. If you do not have a GPS, you can tag along with us, or rent one for the day to try it out.
Knobby tires are recommended.

Pre enter at www.rallyconnex.com - note: the on-line entry on the website is currently reflecting the Sunday only amount. The all inclusive weekend deal (adding on the Saturday evening supper, t-shirt, and Saturday bus tour) will appear on Monday. Remember, proceeds are going to the Cord Enduro Fund.

Start location: Gooderham Community Center - south east of the main intersection at Hwy503 and Hwy507, south of Haliburton.

-the Community Center is on Community Center Rd (go figure!) - look for the RallyConnex trailer next to the "Corduroy Lounge".

****

Looks and sounds like it'll be a great weekend. Mark your calendars and get ready for some good times!

Newspapers are reporting that a young man in Ontario was critically injured in a motorcycle accident this past Monday. Scott Henry, a 26-year-old man was driving the motorcycle on Monday afternoon and was ejected from the machine after driving into a ditch. He was later pronounced dead at Brantford General Hospital.

The motorcycle crash took a strange twist when someone picked up the motorcycle and drove away, leaving the critically injured rider behind. Henry was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries but died soon after arriving.

"We don't know where the bike is, the make or model or anything," said Const. Jeff Walraven of the Norfolk OPP.

Police said a brown or beige SUV stopped at the scene shortly after the crash and a man got out, picked up the motorcycle and drove north along Indian Line.

Police don't yet know if the man knew the crash victim and was retrieving the motorcycle, or stole the machine.

Anyone who can help solve that mystery is asked to call the provincial police Norfolk Detachment (1-888-310-1122).

The folks at Rally Connex are pleased to host the 2008 Beef Run that's taking place this Saturday August 23rd. Here's some additional details from Rally Connex:

BEEF RUN 2008

Start: Saturday Aug 23
Mission Cycle, 215 Mill St., Angus, Ontario. N44 19.650 W79 53.347
www.missioncycleangus.com

Lots of overnight parking in the Mission Cycle parking lot.

Sign-in at 7:30am
Loading of GPSs, door prize draws, and a pre-ride briefing.
Hit the road at about 8:30am

Day 1 is about 360km long, and will loop through Orillia, head north past Bracebridge and loop over at Dwight, before heading south to Ox Narrows.
Day 2 is about 260km long, heads south through Minden, Norwood, over to Orillia and back to Angus.

Lots of back roads, road allowances, and snowmobile trails. Aggressive knobbies are highly recommended. There has been a lot of rain. Let me know, by e-mail, if you are looking for a less aggressive route.

Go to our public photo album and view pictures from past events, as well as some pre-riding pictures from the Beef Run. http://picasaweb.google.com/rallyconnex/BeefRun08

Reserve your room and meals at Ox Narrows Resort by calling 705-489-3885 and visit their web site www.oxnarrowsresort.com

You can sign up on-line at www.rallyconnex.com

What better way to spend a summer weekend then by soaking in some sun, fun, and custom-built stainless steel works of art? Join thousands of motorcycle fanatics on July 25th, 26th, and 27th for the 4th annual Canadian Biker Build Off in Welland, Ontario for Canada’s #1 Custom Bike Building Challenge and the first annual Great Canadian Motorcycle Auction™.

With more than $1 million dollars worth of original and uniquely custom built choppers, bobbers, baggers and more, this will be a live auction that no biker enthusiast will want to miss.

Buyers will have the opportunity to bid on award winning bikes from Canada’s top custom chopper builders including: Canada’s 2007 Champion of the Canadian Biker Build Off, Georges Thomas, Concept and Design Cycle with the “Alien”, Zeel Design with the “General Lee,” the winner of the International Biker Build Off, “Silver Lining” by Sinister Custom Choppers, award winner at the Toronto International Motorcycle Show, “Nitmar” by Precision FramWorx, winner at the Calgary World of Wheels, and “Lethal Weapon” by Strathroy Custom Choppers, best paint job winner at the London Motorcycle Expo and many, many more. These fine bikes will be the envy of all chopper fanatics and a worthy addition to any biker’s collection.

The event will be a great opportunity for collectors to bid on custom motorcycles from a number of Canada’s top builders including winners of the Canadian Biker Build Off, Daytona Bike Week and Discovery Channel’s Biker Build Off. The Great Canadian Motorcycle Auction™ is the largest motorcycle auction of its kind in Canada and the largest custom chopper auction in the world, with proceeds benefiting Huntington Society of Canada. This year’s auction will be garnering the attention of international buyers from across Canada, USA, Dubai, Russia, UK and more so as to provide builders with the opportunity to put their custom choppers in front of millions of global buyers both at the live and online auctions.

For further information about the auction or to register to buy or sell, please visit www.auctionwire.com/buildoff or contact Sanchia Saha via phone at 416.636.8678 or visit the website for email contact information.

The 26th annual Parry Sound Sportbike Rally is taking place July 4, 5, 6th in, you guessed it, Parry Sound Ontario.

Registration is only $20 and that get syou a t-shirt, a bag o' goodies, and entry in all events.

It would seem that a schedule has been posted for the event too. Here's the details:

BOCC= Bobby Orr Community Centre.

Friday July 4

Expo & Registration 12pm – 9pm (BOCC)
Dyno (BOCC)
Auction viewing (BOCC)
Biker Café (BOCC)
Video night with Max Burns (worlds fastest indian) (BOCC)
Kick off street music & Show ‘N’ Shine (Main St.)

Saturday July 5

Expo & Registration 8am – 5pm (BOCC)
Dyno (BOCC)
Biker Breakfast 7am – 10am (BOCC)
Auction viewing (BOCC)
Biker Café (BOCC) refreshments and motorcycle themed videos all day.
Poker Run (BOCC)
Suzuki FMX Tour (Salt Dock)
Trials (Fowler Pit)
Biker Dinner 4pm – 6:30pm (hosted by Max Burns) (BOCC)
Live Auction (BOCC)
Thunder Run (Forming up at Louisa St. ending at the mall)
Cheap Awards (Mall)
Saturday Night Band and entertainment (Mall)

Sunday July 6

Supermotard (Salt Dock)

According to news in the Ottawa citizen there were a few riders in Canada's capital who attended an Ottawa municipal parking management strategy focus group. They wanted to support the call for a city parking strategy that recognizes the needs of two-wheeled vehicles.

Sheldon Cross and Dan Witmer, both from Ottawa's Gearhead motorcycle and scooter shop, proposed that motorcycles and scooters be given free designated parking downtown.

Mr. Cross is the author of an online petition that, as of last night, had 851 signatures.

The petition draws attention to parking regulations in Toronto, which passed legislation in 2005 that made parking free for motorcycles and scooters. However, in Ottawa, under the city's current system, motorcycle and scooter riders pay the same price for parking as car drivers, even though they take up less space in a parking spot. If two bikes are parked in the same space, the one furthest from the meter will be ticketed.

Seems like an inefficient use of space at the very least.

The Ottawa municipal parking strategy's final report will be released in October 2008.

Harley Davidson is having a "really" big party in Milwaukee to celebrate their 105th, but they've got some Canadian events lined up too in a few big cities. Tickets in each city are $25.

They'll have some new 2009 models on hand, special H.O.G. prizing and giveaways, hourly contests, vintage bike displays, surprise guest appearances, muscle movers MDC casino, and more.

Cities they'll be having events in include:

Montreal: Saturday, August, 23rd in 5 pm in Jarry Park:
Toronto: Sunday, August 24th, 5 pm at The Distillery
Winnipeg: Sunday, August 24th, 5 pm at Cowboys

For more details visit the event page on Harley Davidson's Canadian page here.

Press Release CNW:

We mentioned a couple of days ago that the folks in Norfolk were trying to set a Guinness Book World Record and it looks like they've probably done it. Norfolk County officials tagged almost 12,000 motorcycles at PD13 today, as part of the attempt at a Guinness World Record for the most motorcycles.

"We estimate that more than 30,000 motorcycles visited Port Dover as part of this event, based on feedback from our dedicated team of volunteers who assisted with the count at several checkpoints around the town," said Clark Hoskin, Manager of Tourism & Economic Development for Norfolk County. "Our tag team handed out the majority of tags by noon on Friday the 13th."

Motorcycle enthusiasts arrived from across North America, including New York, California, Quebec, Georgia, Maryland and across the Great Lakes region. Some bikers claimed that they attended the event primarily because they wanted to participate in the Guinness World Record attempt.

"We will be preparing the package for the Guinness World Record organization in the coming days and submitting our information, so the numbers are unofficial right now," Hoskin added. "Port Dover is the first community hosting a motorcycle event where an official Guinness World Record has been attempted."

Port Dover is a key destination among motorcycle enthusiasts, and many bikers look forward to the perennial Friday the 13th biker rally festivities in this fishing port along Ontario's South Coast. The event is organized by the PD13 Committee, a hard-working group of community volunteers.

Bikers who participated have the opportunity to win prizes, by logging their individually numbered tags into the Norfolk County Tourism website at www.norfolktourism.ca. Photos and other information related to the Guinness World Record attempt will also be shared on that website.

This Friday the 13th, a bike event held since 1981 will once again try to cram as many bikers into the lakeside town of Port Dover; normally home to about 5,000 people.

Organizers of Friday's bikers rally in Port Dover are going to count all the motorcycles that come into town this Friday, something they thought was impossible before and just offered estimates of the number of attendees.

Held every Friday the 13th, the event can see 100,000 or more people and bikers from all over Canada and the US and other parts of the world. That's a number they're hoping to smash this year. It's HUGE. So huge that they're trying to break a world record this year and are tagging all the bikes to keep a tally. The record they're shooting for is "largest single-day parade of motorcycles."

Cindy Vanderstar, promotions co-ordinator for Norfolk's tourism and economic development department indicated... "Motorcycle tourism is a huge industry," noting bikers tend to be well off and have money to spend.

"We've got lots of coastline for them to drive around. We're trying to attract them to come here another time."

The drive for a world record has itself created more interest in the event, Vanderstar said.

She estimated her office has received 1,000 calls from bikers from as far away as British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Florida, England and Ireland. Many of them want to come, she said, specifically because a record-breaking attempt is underway

If you'd like more details about the event check out the PD13 website http://www.pd13.com/

More news about the Ontario street racing legislation:

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner Julian Fantino has been quoted in the press as saying that motor vehicle fatalities are down 34.4 per cent so far this year, with speed-related fatalities down 41.9 per cent.

The statistics have been released in response to criticism that the new street racing legislation introduced in the province last September isn’t working.

“The media and some uninformed members of the public seem to believe that the street racing legislation is unjust and doesn’t really slow traffic down,” Fantino said. “Our statistics prove otherwise.

The number of fatal collisions, the number of fatalities and the number of people killed in speed-related crashes are down dramatically, and are continuing to drop. I attribute that good news to increased enforcement, higher visibility of our patrol units and the public finally getting the message that speed kills.”

The OPP continues to make daily use of its new Cessna aircraft for aerial traffic enforcement in the Toronto area and will be expanding its use to other parts of the province throughout the summer.

The province of Ontario made headlines and the disapproval of many motorcycle riders and other motorists when they passed a new street racing law last fall - the toughest in North America.

The legislation gives police the power to seize cars and licences on the spot if they charge drivers with street racing or stunt driving.

As of May 20th, 2008, police had laid 5,139 street racing or stunt driving charges since the law was enacted on Oct. 1, 2007. According to reports by CBC News though - the majority of people charged under the new laws are never convicted of the crime.

CBC interviewed a motorcycle rider who mentions he's the perfect example - he was charged but not convicted.

He had been stuck on Toronto's Don Valley Parkway and not far from his exit. So he decided to creep slowly between the sitting cars on his motorcycle, admittedly not the best of decisions. Soon thereafter, he saw the flashing lights of a police cruiser. The officer impounded the bike immediately and charged him with stunt driving.

The towing fees were near $1,000. Add on the legal fees and he was up to approximately $2,000. He ended up having to sell the motorcycle to cover the bill. In the end he was charged with a much lessor offence of an illegal lane change and fined $600.

Clearly what he did was illegal, but should it have been deemed "stunt driving" and worthy of a $10,000 fine?

Some say the new legislation gives a little too much power to authorities and too much leeway as to what "stunt driving" entails. Is standing on the pegs of your motorcycle stunt riding? Yes and no - it depends on the situation.

The Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General provided some conviction statistics to CBC News and the numbers show the conviction rate is low; only about 33 per cent. Those drivers still had to pay towing fees and legal fees if they challenged the charge though. The costs to the taxpayer are high too with low conviction rates.

There are costs involved. It's expensive to tie up the court system with unnecessary charges and taking officers off the street to attend court.

Street racing and stunt driving are dangerous to the participants and bystanders as well. It's not uncommon to hear about street racers and innocent bystanders being either seriously injured or killed. I think everybody agrees that It's in the public's best interests to get these activities off the street. Is this the right tool for the job though?

As of April 1, 1,080 street racing cases had gone to trial, with 325 convictions. According to the ministry, 526 cases were reduced to speeding, while 229 were either withdrawn, dismissed, or stayed.

Most fines for those convicted ranged from $2,000 to $10,000, but some fines have been as low as $200.

This past Saturday (June 7th) was the 28th annual Ride for Sight and it drew participants from the four Atlantic provinces. If you don't know what it is - The Ride for Sight is the longest running motorcycle charity fundraiser in Canada and the single largest private fundraising initiative for vision research in the world.

To-date, Ride for Sight has raised more than $16 million in support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the only organization in Canada whose sole mandate is to fund research for blindness caused by retinal degenerations. A very worthy cause.

The chairwoman for this year's event was Ms. Fraser-Parks has been participating in the event since 1996.

"Friends brought me to my first one and I just fell in love with the cause," she said just after parking her motorcycle and turning off the engine.

"Taking part in the ride enables me to combine something I love doing — driving bikes — with something worthwhile, which is helping find a cure for a variety of retinal diseases that cause blindness."

Ms. Fraser-Parks mentioned that as a diabetic she realizes there is a possibility she could become blind.

"Experiencing what I have and knowing what I might face puts things into perspective."

Each of the bikers who participate raise funds all year, and their pledges are recorded in donor books that are turned in when they register for the ride.

"Last year we brought in $37,000 and I hope we can blow that figure out of the water this year," she said. "I think we can because the weather is a lot better today than it was last year. We’ve attracted bikers from the three Maritime provinces and Newfoundland."

The full tally hasn't been made yet but she pointed out that bikers who registered early Friday evening had already brought in $10,700.

"A lot more bikers have joined us since then, and to those pledges we will add the proceeds that we raise through the auction, which is getting bigger and better every year."

There are more events scheduled for other parts of Canada soon.

Alberta - Calgary (June 13 - 15)
Alberta - Edmonton (June 13 - 15)
Central Ontario (June 20 - 22)

For more information about Ride For Site visit their website here.

Some Canadian dealerships are seeing huge increases in the numbers of people visiting the showrooms. They're not just looking either, they're buying.

Rick Hudson, the owner of Hudson Motorcycles in Tilbury, mentions in an article in the Chatham Daily News that by his estimation, sales to first-time buyers at his dealership have increased about 400 per cent since the spike in fuel costs.

Even people who own fuel efficient cars, hybrids even, can save on fuel with some motorcycles. The Honda CBR 125, which costs just over $3,000, gets about 80 miles to the gallon which makes it a perfect city commuter bike.

For a lot of people who've wanted to try out motorcycling; the soaring costs of fuel may have just been the impetus they needed.

Bob Funke, of Bob's Motorsport Ltd. in Chatham, has seen a rise in sales of scooters and other commuter bikes too but hasn't seen quite the spike that Hudson has. He's seeing more gains in the service department. People who had motorcycles and haven't had them on the road for one reason or another have been dusting them off and bringing them in to get them road ready again.

The 2005 Ontario Road Safety Annual Report (ORSAR) released last month shows that while the number of fatalitis on Ontario's roads declined, the number of motorcyclists killed in Ontario has risen a whopping 57 percent

The largest fatality increase was in the 45-to-65 group. These older riders accounted for half of the fatalities. Motorcyclists requiring hospital treatment after an accident increased by 14 per cent.

When asked to comment on the factors which may have contributed to these increases by World of Wheels reporters, no one was available to discuss it. However, Emna Dhahak, a spokesperson for the ministry, said that some numbers used in the report to compare motorcycle registrations of previous years to the 2005 figures were incorrect. These figures were later updated in the online version.

Independent analysis of the transportation ministry's motorcycle accident data for the past 15 years suggests that one factor in the increased number of motorcyclist fatalities in 2005 could have been the exceptionally long riding season due to good weather that year.

Motorcycle helmets have been compulsory in Ontario for 40 years, but not everybody wears then. 14 per cent of riders who died in the province were not wearing one. The 2005 report indicated that alcohol was a factor in 25 per cent of deaths.

There was a 7.5 per cent increase in motorcycle registrations, which might account for a small portion of the increase as well.

Here's a year-to-year comparison of accident statistics for 2004-2005 in Ontario:

Ontario Motorcycles

- Licensed Motorcycles: 135,028 / 145,194
- Motorcycle drivers killed: 44 / 68
- Motorcycle passengers killed: 3 / 6
- Motorcycle drivers hospitalized: 800 / 866
- Motorcycle drivers in accidents: 1214 / 1351

Fatality factors

No motorcycle licence: 0% / 3%

- Under 25 years of age: 26% / 24%
- Over 44 years of age: 16% / 50%
- Legally impaired (?.08): 13% / 16%
- No safety helmet: 13% / 14%
- Driving too fast/lost control: 49% / 53%
- Single vehicle accident: 40% / 41%
- Day time: 79% / 70%
- Weekend: 47% / 55%

When asked what action was being taken to reduce the accident and fatality toll, Dhahak stated that...

"The ministry will continue to monitor deaths and injuries on motorcycles and to work with stakeholders," "including police, manufacturers, training course providers, insurers, safety advocates and community safety organizations, to review existing policies and public education activities with a goal of improving motorcycle safety in Ontario."

What can we take from this as responsible riders?

- Ride within the speed limits with all your gear! Don't drink and ride!

The increases for over 44 year olds is concerning and the reasons for the rise in this category aren't clear. Perhaps there are a lot of new riders who don't take the proper training in this group.

- Make sure your first bike is appropriate for your skill level folks!

From CandianDriver:

The Ontario government has announced that it will introduce a new visible accessible parking permit sticker for motorcycles, which will be placed directly on the license plate, as of May 26, 2008. The new sticker will complement the existing placard permit.

Instead of leaving the permit on the motorcycle, which presents a theft and privacy concern, motorcyclists will now be required to carry the permit with them, and may need to present it if asked by an enforcement officer.

More than 495,000 accessible parking permits have been issued in Ontario, with an estimated 100 used on motorcycles, for such medical conditions as lung and heart disease or arthritis.